Thoughts for another day

Oct. 30, 2007

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 3:18. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

To be with the Lord in our eternal dwelling, we need to be transformed into His image. With many of us, that transformation is very gradual. There might be someone who has been transformed dramatically and in an instant like St. Paul; but they are few. That is because the spirit of man cannot handle instant change; just as the body if always subject to a warm climate and conditioned to live in that climate cannot suddenly tolerate a cold climate and resists by falling sick etc.

As we grow up, our spirit is conditioned. As grown ups, there are sure etchings of behavioral patterns because of our spirit and these are difficult to undo. Or, let me put it this way, it is impossible for us to remove them. Only some dramatic event can change the way we behave. Or, the intervention of God. This is where our affinity and craving for God and His consequent Grace works. As for me, I have had tremendous yearning for change in myself; but find it impossible to do. I have even cried out to the Lord to change me, but really felt no change. Today, I believe the Lord has given me as well as the rest of us who read this, the assurance that by His Spirit, we, who behold His reflected glory in His things, that His Spirit brings in our lives, are changed to conform to that glorious image. We are designated holy people, which means, we are separated by God to do His work and He is surely moving us from one step of glory to another day by day.

Our transformation may not be visible but is as sure as the fact that the sun gives light. It is only when we stand beholding His Face on that day, will we know how He worked in us to conform us into His image.