Albedo 0.39

Albedo 0.39 was one of my favorite albums to listen to back in ‘76; a concept album by the then, not so famous, Vangelis. So the album name certainly begs the question, “What the heck is an albedo?”

Simply put, it’s the measure of reflectivity for a given object. The Earth’s albedo happens to reflect an average 0.39, or 39% of light...thus the album name.

This brings me, once again, to another parallel to our Christian walk. What would your albedo be if you were to be measured for how much you reflect Christ? I shudder to think what mine would be, quite frankly.

The scriptures are very direct about who we ought to be as children of God:

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.  Philippians 2:14-16

When Jesus made His Sermon on the Mount he expressly referenced the saved as both “salt” and “light”...two necessities this world can not live without. As children of God we are to be noticed not for who we are just as people, but who we are as having Christ within us. Our accomplishments in career, finances, family...even humanitarian energies should not be simply the results of God blessing us. Our true purpose is to make others take note that, “Hey, they’ve got something. Can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s definitely something more than just living life.” That is our doorway--our commission--to present Christ to others.

Shining like stars; salt of the earth. These are prominent and unmistakable things and so should it also be with our lives. Although the earth’s albedo may be 0.39, we should all strive for that 100% reflection of God. Sure, we’re incapable of completing that task completely and God certainly knows that; but it doesn’t negate our purpose as clearly stated in the scriptures.

The next time you look up at the stars or the moon and see it’s light, let that be a reminder of how light reflecting off an object is so noticeable to everyone around...then apply that reminder to your Christian life. Those around will notice and God will smile.

Blessings!

Greg Morton
Copyright © May, 2014

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