READ: 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT
'And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.'
Nothing stands still for long. If you need proof of that, then have a look at a photo of yourself from ten years ago. We are constantly changing, whether we like it or not! Here Paul speaks about the way in which we change as Christians. If our lives as followers of Jesus look exactly the same as they did in the past then something has gone desperately wrong.
Being a Christian is very different from belonging to a club, where you can normally tailor your involvement to suit yourself. Many people, we are told, belong to gyms but never attend! By way of contrast, Christianity is a relationship within which God’s desire is that we change. Time and again Paul talks about the importance of growing in faith and becoming more mature, and here in 2 Corinthians he speaks of us changing so that we look more and more like Jesus.
I am sure that we would all be eager to point out that we have a long way to go to resemble Jesus, but that’s the road we’re on. The Holy Spirit, day by day, is working the miracle of changing us into the likeness of Jesus. Probably the best way of seeing this process at work is by looking at other people around you. As you see their gentleness, kindness, compassion, joy and peace give thanks to God for the way in which he is developing these beautiful qualities in them. And as you give more of yourself to the Lord, these amazing fruits of the Spirit will be growing steadily in your own life.




QUESTION: In what ways have you grown as a Christian over the past year, and what growth are you seeking in the coming year?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you that you love me so much that you want me
to change. Help me to welcome your Holy Spirit more fully into my life so that, amazingly, day by day I become more like Jesus. Amen.

Released on 29 Jan 2021