Becoming Like Christ
Scripture Reading — 2 Corinthians 3:12-18
We … are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory …
2 Corinthians 3:18
If the Holy Spirit’s work in us is like the work of a gardener, what is the Spirit growing in us?
The Spirit wants to reproduce Jesus’ character in us. Our reading today states that we “are being transformed into [Jesus’] image with ever-increasing glory.” In other words, the Holy Spirit’s aim is to make us more and more like Jesus.
The Spirit’s work is to nudge us, prod us, move us, and shape us to think more like Jesus, to better mirror Jesus in our character, and to increasingly help us love like Jesus in our daily life.
Of course, it’s not an overnight rush job. The Spirit doesn’t guarantee delivery in full by 8:00 a.m. the next day—or even within a few days. This isn’t the work of a courier driver. This is the work of the Master Gardener, the One who daily, gradually toils and works in our lives until the desired spiritual fruit eventually blossoms, to the glory of God.
There are times when the Spirit’s work in us is immediate, dramatic, and maybe even spectacular. But usually the Spirit’s work in us is slow and gentle. That’s his trademark.
We are made in God’s image, but that image is spoiled and polluted in us because of sin. So now God is slowly remaking that image in us—to be like Jesus!
Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit’s life and work in us. Help us to grow and become more like your Son, Jesus Christ. In his name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Shawn Brix
Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.
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