This article is dedicated to Brother R. and all those who have reflected Christ to those around them.

Have you ever seen a wacky mirror at an amusement park? You know the kind I mean — the ones that make you tall or short, thin or fat. These mirrors are taking beams of light and bending them to show that distorted image. It’s fun because we look very different from the way we actually are.

Yet, those are not the types of mirrors we want to use as a guide to perform a specialized task. If I tried to shave using one of those mirrors, I would likely have cuts and terrible razor burn all over my face and neck. So, naturally, it’s easy to see which type of mirror has any practical use in my life.

If you know history, when the Hubble telescope launched, it had a tiny defect in one of its mirrors. That defect was around a quarter of an inch in size, yet it caused the images to be blurry and distorted. Scientists had to fix the problem while the satellite was in orbit, but once they did, the Hubble resulted in some of the most beautiful images that have ever been captured in our universe.

Paul says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me!” (Galatians 2:20) He may have never seen an amusement park, but he knew what type of mirror he needed to be: a perfect reflection of Christ. And yet it’s easy for me to allow one little imperfection in my life distort that image of Christ in me. I must constantly allow God to buff out those imperfections so that Christ can be reflected perfectly in my life. As I contemplate, I think of people who I looked up to, people who have shown that beautiful reflection of Christ in their lives:

• Brother H. was a pillar in the branch where I grew up. He was one of the most humble individuals I’ve ever met. He taught my Sunday school class for a time and gave a great example.
• Sister D. was also an early Sunday school teacher of mine. She was so full of love and joy in her service. You never heard a word of complaint on her lips; she was filled with praise no matter what the circumstances.
• Brother L. taught me how to do missionary work and lead by example. I once spent 30 days with him in Africa, and it remains one of the best learning experiences of my life.
• Brother R. had a contagious love for the Word of God, especially the Book of Mormon. He always reminded me of the importance of service and love for the Gospel.

Who has shown you a good reflection? How is your mirror today?

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.