2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

I started to write on verses 4-6 of this chapter, and this ties in perfectly with that. The focus is entirely on the Lord, as it should be, and the effect on and in us is entirely because of Him. This verse is a counter to the tendency in some circles to differentiate very strongly among the Trinity, listing the characteristics and actions of Father God, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit in turn, as though they were mutually exclusive. I do believe in the Trinity, but this chapter seems to present more of a “unified theology,” so to speak. Any time we try to put God in a box we miss out. That said, God wants to indwell us, (John 14:23) and that’s mind boggling. When He is indwelling us because we are abiding in Christ, then His Spirit fills us and flows through us, manifesting His glory. As a completely natural result, we become more and more like Jesus in every way. None of this is because of our strength, wisdom, or effort; it is all grace. All we have to do is trust and obey, opening ourselves more and more fully to Him. That is what produces true competence (verse 5) in the kingdom of God.

As I write and contemplate this, I am strongly reminded of a verse that comes up very shortly after this: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) I am painfully aware of what a cracked pot I am at times! I’m back to the reality that as long as I’m focused on me, nothing good happens, but when I am totally focused on and open to Christ, the possibilities are limitless. I see in myself and in those to whom I minister the strong tendency to “navel-gaze,” to be self-centered. There is no future, no real possibility for growth and fulfillment, when all you are looking at is how you are right now. I’ve got to acknowledge how I am right now, and help others do the same, because otherwise there is no true repentance. At the same time, I’ve got to remember that God’s not limited by how I have been or even how I am right now, and I need to help others grasp that truth as well.

Father, thank You for this potent reminder. I need such reminders fairly often! Help me indeed lead each member of this church to take their eyes off of themselves and fix them on Jesus, (Hebrews 12:2) with great joy and anticipation of what You are going to do in and through us, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!