If you want to have a better body, what do you do?  You eat well and work out, right?When we think about how we can change, we think about what we need to do in order to be changed.  God doesn’t change people like that though, we change not through our efforts, but simply by seeing God and His grace working in us.

2 Corinthians 3: 14-18 – “But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts.16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

This passage is referring to how many Jewish people were looking to the Old Testament law (rules) to establish their righteousness, and make themselves holy.  Following rules, can make you a good, moral person, but it doesn’t change anyone’s heart.  We’re changed because we see that no one is righteous by following the law, but in Christ we have defeated sin and the curse of the law, to be granted Christ’s perfect righteousness.  This promise of Christ’s righteousness is sealed by the Holy Spirit that indwells us.  Now, when we come to God’s Word, we no longer have to fear condemnation, because we are perfectly holy in Christ, now and forever.  Instead of fear, we are free to see and savor God’s perfections and glory.  Moreover, God even uses our sight of His glory from the Word to change us from the inside out; He changes our hearts and minds to become more like Him.  How amazing is our God!  My encouragement, is to not be fearful or reluctant in pursuing God in His Word, but devour it.  Let God meet you there, and ask Him to show you more of Himself and change you for your good and His glory.

Grace and Peace,

Adam