Matt Redman Challenges Readers to Be a 'Mirror Ball' of Christ
Internationally acclaimed worship leader and songwriter Matt Redman asks believers, “Are you reflecting God’s radiance?” in his new book Mirror Ball: Living Boldly and Shining Brightly for the Glory of God.
Redman is a Dove award winner, and is the author of worship classics such as “Blessed Be Your Name” and “The Heart of Worship.” Assessing his own faith and encouraging others to do the same, Redman’s latest work reflects on what he knows best: worship.
Redman reminds readers that worship is not just about words, songs or instruments, but about radiating God’s light, on and off the stage. It’s a matter of a life properly reflected, Redman writes.
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“God is looking for a people who will ... begin to shine His light in their everyday lives. A people who will stand in the light of who He is and reflect His wonders for all the world to see. We see the light. We celebrate the light. And we send the light,” the book says.
“It is not about you and your best efforts,” Redman says in his book. “It is about the light, power, and love of Christ illuminating our fragile lives. As Scripture reminds us, the same God who said, ‘Let there be light,’ has made His light to shine in our hearts.”
The life of worship never begins with you, Redman affirms. It starts and ends with Jesus.
“In and of ourselves we have no light. But in His bright and shining light we are transformed – and begin to radiate the glories of our God to the world around us. You may be feeling totally inadequate, far from ready for that task. But if so, you have forgotten the most important part of the equation,” the book reads.
Through story, Scripture and practical inspiration, Redman challenges Christians to remember their source of light and live in a way that mirrors the one true beam.
In an interview with B&B media, Redman shared a few insights into his new book, what he hopes to accomplish through it, as well as some personal details about his own life.
B&B: Your new book is entitled Mirror Ball. Can you explain the concept behind the title?
Redman: The title refers to a story I tell in the first chapter of the book. The point of it is that a mirror ball has the potential to send out glittering light in all directions, but the key factor in the equation is the light that shines upon it. In and of itself it has no light. The same is true with our lives of worship. In and of ourselves we have no light, but in the power, truth and grace of Jesus we can shine brightly and boldly all around.
B&B: You have written many worship songs. How would you best define worship?
Redman: It’s our response to the glory and grace of God, and it flows in our words, actions, thoughts. The very healthiest worship is a reflex; we see God for who He is and can’t help but respond.
B&B: How can our lives reflect worship to God? And how can a life of worship impact those around us?
Redman: The book encourages people to get a new confidence in their lives -- a bold and bright outlook that God can use in our daily surroundings. That will require patience, passion and perseverance, but we need to get a bright-thinking, optimistic outlook that He will use us, as we hang in there. Sometimes we have no clue just how much God is doing as we sow daily in our workplaces, homes or places of study. The book also looks at the link between worship and social justice, and what a wonderful and powerful force for God we can be as the church when we work together.
B&B: When did you first feel God’s calling on your life?
Redman: I started leading worship as a teenager, and was in a church environment where young people were really encouraged and affirmed in the ministry. So it wasn’t too long before I was writing songs to try and help us give voice to our worship. I love that process of the heart overflowing in song, and then trying to shape it and get it ready to sing at church.
B&B: What are you passionate about?
Redman: I love trying to finds words and melodies that help people talk to God. The most encouraging thing for me is when someone says that one of the songs helped them vocalize what was in their heart for God.
B&B: How can we continue to reflect God’s glory during the trials of life?
Redman: With a persevering passion! In the book I define passion as “the degree of difficulty we’re willing to go to achieve our goals.”
“It’s never too late to live a big life,” Redman advises in his book. “If we live our lives with low expectations in God, we will rob ourselves of a fulfilled life and massively dilute the honor that is due to Him. If you have ruled yourself out, then rule yourself back in.”
Many readers have found inspiration in Mirror Ball and say each chapter is filled with challenging and powerful messages.
“I was actually quite surprised by the depth of this book,” WisdomReaders commented on Amazon. “[Redman] artfully weaves worshipping God into our everyday lives in ways that are practical ... There were so many inspirational and uplifting moments throughout this book.”
“For 108 pages, Mirror Ball by Matt Redman, contains a lot of challenging information that will have the reader, re-evaluating their life and asking themselves if they are, ‘Living boldly and shining brightly for the glory of God,’” Sunflower shared on Good Reads.
Daniel Butcher also added, “Redman paints a picture where all of us are worshippers regardless of our ability to pick up a musical instrument.”
Mirror Ball: Living Boldly and Shining Brightly for the Glory of God can be purchased on Redman’s online store at www.mattredman.com/store or on Amazon.com.
