Progressive Transformation

Scripture

We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. -2 Corinthians 3:18

Every Christian is invited to glorious intimacy with the Lord. As the veil is lifted from our faces, we are no longer spiritually blind, and we're able to fully understand God's glory and the New Covenant in Christ. How does a believer get an unveiled face? When he or she turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Through an intimate relationship with the Father, we are progressively transformed into the image of Christ. The best and most enduring change comes into our lives when we are transformed by time spent with the Lord. It is important to note that transformation into the image of Christ is a process by which we are to submit. Our formation into Christlike believers is not something we do, but something done to us through our fellowship and submission to the Spirit of God. St. Augustine said in the 4^th Century: “Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not.”

When we behold as looking in a mirror, it's deeper than a casual view. When the veil is removed from our eyes, we take a careful study of God's glory. In other words, we contemplate His glory and His presence much like looking in a mirror. The more time we spend in His presence, listening to His voice, studying His Word, worshiping Him, the more transformed we'll become. It's not an overnight process. The formation of the human soul doesn't work at digital speed.  The key is progressing from glory to glory. Here's the beautiful truth about gazing into God's glory.  Gazing consistently leads to a reflection of His image in our lives. 

Beloved, as you are on your journey, remember that transformation is a process. Be gracious to yourself. We are BEING transformed, which means the work isn't completed yet. Don't expect completion from yourself or others. Remember, Paul said, "It's not as though I've already obtained completion." We are not fully transformed from one spectacular encounter with God. It's the daily and consistent time spent with Him in His presence that gradually changes us. As time progresses, inner transformation will take place. Beloved, let’s submit so that we can be formed into the image of Christ.

Prayer

Father, we submit to the transformational process into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen