We become like what we look at, so looking at Christ changes us.
“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.”2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)
What does “Beholding” mean in 2 Corinthians 3:18?
The Greek word for changed is the one from which we get metamorphosis. Paul says that as believers look at the glory of the Lord, the Spirit gradually transforms them into His likeness.
Going deeper
Paul says that with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image from glory to glory. The picture is of a mirror. As we look at Christ, His likeness is slowly formed in us, and the change is the work of the Spirit, not of our own effort. It happens over time, from one stage of glory to the next, not in a single moment.
This changes how we think about growth. We often try to improve ourselves by staring at our faults. Paul suggests a better way: look at Jesus. Read the Gospels slowly, notice how He treats people, and let that picture shape you. Ask the Spirit to change you as you look. Try spending five minutes today simply gazing at a scene from the life of Jesus, and asking what He is like. Transformation follows attention.
Reflect
What scene from the life of Jesus could you spend a few minutes looking at today?
Pray
Lord Jesus, help me to look at You. As I behold Your glory, change me by Your Spirit into Your likeness. In Jesus' name, amen.
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