The Privileged Life: “Prism Principles” to Reflect God’s Light

“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46)

Glass prisms are fascinating. I’ve loved them since childhood, after seeing the old Disney movie, “Pollyanna.” In the story, Pollyanna strings chandelier prisms across windows, and their refracted rainbows dance around rooms—bringing joy to discouraged characters.

A chandelier ornament, much like the ones Pollyanna used to “sparkle” joy for others

My blogging comrade, Mama Lava, has an equal affinity for glass prisms and places them in her windows, too, to enjoy the “Godlight” colors. Here are some of her reflections, which she calls “Prism Principles”—could they change your viewpoint about your Christian walk?

You’ve been crafted for a purpose.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Although prisms are beautiful in and of themselves, their role is not to call attention solely to themselves. They are made to refract light. In the same way, God didn’t create us to gather admiration to ourselves. He created us to bring glory to Him. We are to be so full of His light that when people are in our presence, they find themselves in His.

It isn’t about you.

“He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30) Your purpose isn’t about you…it’s all about Jesus. Prisms do not decide if or when they will refract light. They hang where they are placed, and when the sun is behind them, rainbows scatter out from them in every direction. Similarly, we don’t get to mastermind how or when God will use us. His glory will pierce the darkness to fall beautifully on those around us.

You are meant to magnify something much greater than yourself.

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4,5) Glass is made from sand. It is common and has many uses. But when cut by a craftsman, it can do something extraordinary. It can magnify sunlight in the full spectrum of colors! We, too, are made from the dust. In God’s hands, we can do the impossible. We can magnify His glorious light, which defeats even the darkest shadows!

Position is key…you shine when you’re in line with the light.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12) Unless prisms are in the line with the sunlight, they are nothing more than ornaments. The same is true for me and you. Do we want to be simply ornamental, or do we want to see miracles? If we don’t see ourselves being used by God, we need to consider whether we’re positioned where He wants us to be.

The Sun’s light spectrum, from red to purple, when refracted through a prism

Your source matters.

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6) A prism will reflect even a flashlight. But the scattered beams will be just like the flashlight—mostly white. Only intense rainbows occur in the sunlight. Who do we choose to champion? If we become disciples of this guru or that teacher, we will spout the same as we’ve been given. However, if we gather power from the Son of God, what goes out from us is beautifully His.

Did you enjoy Mama Lava’s insights? Here’s more from her about the impact of the light of God and His promises for our faith: https://mamalava.wordpress.com/prism-promises/ She includes lovely photos, too. I invite you to check out her other blogs, subscribe to them, and find your mailbox filled with her delightful wisdom. I hope you’ll be as blessed as I am to spend a few minutes each week with Mama Lava on her Back Porch, “a place of rest and encouragement.” It’s a joy to count her as a friend in Christ!

Heavenly Creator, thank You for reminding us of Your presence, peace, and promises. Thank You for pouring Your light into our lives that we might shun the darkness and look only to You. Place us and use us for Your glory. And, thank you for blessing us with new friends across the miles who share Your love with us. In Jesus’ name as the Light of the World, Amen.

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap and Arise Daily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at Lightbourne Creative and subscribe at the bottom.

© Copyright 2024 Nancy C. Williams, Lightbourne Creative (text and photography) Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Note: Scriptures used by Mama Lava are from the New International Version.)