Stay Plugged In

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Having been replaced by more sophisticated equipment, the overhead projector was put to use for years as a handy teaching tool. With a combination of electrical components, light bulbs, magnifiers, lenses, mirrors and structural design making it suitable to perform its designated function, I’ve often had occasion to use it as an illustration while using it as a tool.

Without damaging or destroying any of the components listed above, the simple removal of the electrical plug from the outlet into which it was affixed, eliminated the projector from its ability to carry out its designated duty. The light bulbs, magnifiers, lenses, mirrors, structural design and electrical components are all intact and capable of functioning and yet, without proper connection to an external power source, will not shine the necessary light to reflect the image it is intended to project.

So, what’s the illustration? There is a question we must endeavor to answer. Were human beings designed to simply function independent of God or is proper relationship with God a necessary aspect of human existence in order to shine the light needed to reflect the image we are intended to project?

Proper relationship is an important designation. (…) The plug on the end of the power cord attached to the overhead projector has one of two relationships with the outlet; unplugged or plugged in. If it is unplugged, it does not receive the power needed to perform its function.

In a passage replete with moral insight, Isaiah 59:2 states, “…your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God…” Though such unplugged people still have all the components they need to continue being people, they are disconnected from the power source necessary for shining the light needed to reflect the image it is intended to project.

Of course, human beings are not overhead projectors, mere instruments or pieces of equipment; we are moral agents. We are fearfully and wonderfully made – capable of producing great expressions of good and great expressions of evil; able to unplug and walk in darkness or responding to the provisions of the power source, God, reconnecting and, consequently, becoming the light of the world equipped to reflect the image of Christ, the one who projected the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We’ve all seen, possibly experienced, what unplugged people do – anywhere from a form of godliness that denies the power, to head-chopping, airplane-crashing maniacs, to store-looting protestors to power hungry political players to those attempting to have a sex-change, on and on. As well, though not nearly enough, we’ve all seen, possibly experienced, what those properly connected to God can accomplish. Consider the accounts of revivals that have touched and transformed areas around the world.

Knowing that human beings were designed to receive power (Acts 1:8) from God when properly connected, Paul wrote to the “saints and faithful brethren” (Col.1:2a) in Colossae, that he prayed they would “…be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light” (Col.1:9-12).

What are you projecting?’

Source: Mick Wolfe (Comprehensium)