One of the most powerful passages in Scripture is 2 Corinthians 3:18 which reads: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (ESV). The idea is that as we gaze on Christ, God transforms us into Christ’s image. We will learn to practice this in today’s post; give yourself at least two minutes to do this.
Absorb. Consider the meaning of each phrase. Read it with your name in it. Then imagine Jesus in front of you speaking these words to you as you gaze on his face; how does this affect you? Ruminate on this process, understand it and let it sink in.
Feelings. How do you feel as you do this? Express your feelings to God.
Truth Commitment. Invite God to reveal your heart then ask yourself: How much do I believe that I can enter into the process described in this verse? Do I believe that the process will transform me? If I have unbelief, why?
Virtue & Action Commitment. Invite God to reveal your heart then ask yourself: How continuously do I behold the glory of the Lord, or at least keep my attention on him? How much am I progressing from one degree of glory to another? If you are not progressing well, ask yourself: Why am I not progressing? How do I deal with the roots of this problem? What commitment to consistently beholding Christ do I want to make?
Prayer. Tell God what changes you are committed to making and ask him for help.
Action. Determine the next step toward developing a consistent gaze on Jesus then take it as soon as possible. Remember your threefold living power supply.
Reception (Contemplation.) Determine an image or idea that represents Jesus for you. “Gaze” on Jesus for as long as you like and note how that affects you.
Are you willing to try redirecting your attention to Jesus for the next week? Keep track of how this affects your faith and devotion.
