Standing In The Light

In a very symbolic sense, people often talk about reflecting Christ's light to others. However, after I spent a good deal of time pondering this phrase, I had a thought. We are not mirrors reflecting Christ's light to others. If I were to compare us to any object in this analogy, I would say we are prisms that refract Christ's light to the world. We cannot perfectly reflect the light of Christ, nor can we do it without it affecting us. The greater light we attain inwardly is outwardly manifest, in our own unique way, thus giving color to a grey mortality. Unlike the inanimate prism however, we have our own agency. Elder David A. Bednar has taught this principle on multiple occasions:

"In the grand division of all of God’s creations, there are “things to act and things to be acted upon” (2 Nephi 2:14). As children of our Heavenly Father, we have been blessed with the gift of moral agency, the capacity and power of independent action. Endowed with agency, we are agents, and we primarily are to act and not merely be acted upon—especially as we “seek learning … by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118).
As gospel learners, we should be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Our hearts are opened to the influence of the Holy Ghost as we properly exercise agency and act in accordance with correct principles—and we thereby invite His teaching and testifying power."

"As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed. We will become agents who “act” rather than objects that are “acted upon”"

We can choose where we place ourselves, in a position to receive more light, or less (Psalm 37:5-6). this can come as we seek it -- by studying the scriptures (Psalm 119:130), which will light our path (Psalm 119:105), pray, and go to church. This is crucial because we will not receive greater light and knowledge against our will. We are by nature fallen, with our own impurities. In the light of the gospel, these impurities are made more distinctly visible. (Ether 12:27) Our flaws are often most visible in the refiner's fire. These impurities are not permanent however, and we can, through Christ's atonement be made whole, and "be ... Clean that bear the vessel of The Lord." This is the process of "becoming children of light".

Being made clean without spot, we can then let our light so shine leading others to glorify God. This is what the intention of the light of Christ is. We have been molded into who we are for a reason, that is to share Christ's love, and let our personality shine through it. What is the light of Christ? It is His influence that all are born with, and can be magnified, or extinguished. It is prerequisite to feeling the power of the Holy Ghost, and takes root in the hearing of the word. "You cannot obtain the divine light of life from men." we of ourselves cannot produce that light, only amplify it. "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things." (D&C 88:67) Christ's light is to be spread through us, getting "brighter and brighter, until the perfect day". 

Do you feel prepared to stand in the light, and have your imperfections revealed? As Alma said, "I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?" (Alma 5:19) If you can answer yes to that, keep going! If not, join the rest of us that are still working on it. Take time to pray, read the scriptures (I have already provided plenty here), and come to church!