“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18

True transformation is rarely an overnight event; it is almost always a daily process. Just like a sculptor does not create a masterpiece with a single violent strike of the chisel, God shapes us gradually, lovingly, and persistently to reveal the image of His Son within us.

The transformation Paul speaks of happens as we spend time looking at Jesus. It is a spiritual principle that we become like what we worship. If we obsess over money, we become greedy, and if we obsess over image, we become shallow. However, if we contemplate the Lord’s glory by meditating on His character, His love, and His ways, we are changed. The more we focus on Him, the more we naturally begin to reflect Him. It is not about gritting your teeth and trying harder to be good; it is about drawing nearer to the Source of all goodness and letting His radiance rub off on you.

When I first started following Christ, I treated holiness like a checklist and tried to change my temper and my habits through sheer willpower. I failed miserably and felt defeated constantly. It wasn’t until I learned to simply spend time with Jesus in the morning, reading His Word and sitting in His presence, that real change began to happen. My wife was the first to notice, telling me I was becoming more patient. I realized I hadn’t been trying to be patient; I had just been hanging out with the God of patience.

Set aside ten minutes today to simply sit quietly and think about who Jesus is. Read a story from the Gospels about His life, and don’t ask for anything; just admire Him and let His presence begin the work of transformation.

Jesus, I want to become more like You every single day. As I spend time in Your presence, please transform my heart, my mind, and my actions. Make me a clear reflection of Your love and grace to everyone I meet. In Your name, Amen.