ARE YOU READY FOR A CHANGE?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, 
are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, 
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 
(2 Corinthians 3:18)

MEDITATION:
Paul understood what it means to have the Lord’s Spirit 
living in the hearts of those who are God’s adopted children.
When he says “we all”, he is referring to all Christians.
As Christians, our goal is to be transformed into the Lord’s image, and Paul 
knew that it could not happen unless the Spirit was present in a person’s heart.

But what does Paul mean when he uses the words “unveiled faces”?
He appears to be saying that saved people reflect the Lord’s glory to others, 
(in other words, our countenance changes when His Spirit dwells in our hearts). 
As a result, we no longer need to hide the content and desires of our hearts.

Notice how Paul uses “ever-increasing” to assure us 
that our transformation continues after we are saved.
God doesn’t save us and say, “That’s it, you’re on your own now”.
He remains present with us 
as we continue morphing into a reflection of His image.
The Lord knows we need His help and guidance, 
and that we welcome His encouragement throughout our transformation.

In his efforts to discourage us when we stumble, Satan wants to convince us 
that we are unworthy to be transformed into the Lord’s image.
But the truth is, we started out as unworthy, and we will always be unworthy.
However our transformation comes from the Lord and through His Spirit, 
so obviously He considers us worthy of being changed.

How many times have you seen people get ‘written off’ by others 
whenever they succumb to temptations and fall 
from their commitment of obedience to the Lord?
Aren’t you glad that the Lord does not treat us as others do?
They see our faults and pass judgment on us, 
but He sees our potential and doesn’t give up on us.
Others may turn their back on those who fail, 
but the Lord wants to lift them up, encourage them, and restore them.

ACTION:
How has your life been changed since you received salvation from the Lord?
Are you continuing to be transformed, 
or have you become stagnant (or moving backwards)?
Do you feel the Lord’s presence in your life, 
along with His Spirit in your heart?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your salvation and for considering 
me as one worthy of being transformed into a reflection of the Spirit 
of the Lord. You and I know all of my failures and how they 
disappoint us both. Thank You for how Your Word assures me that 
You do not give up on me, even if I have a tendency to give up on 
myself. I pray for Your continued guidance and encouragement as
Your Spirit helps me with the transformational changes You want 
in me. Help me to embrace the changes as blessings from You.”

blog: utvolwoody.wordpress.com