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

This verse raises a lot of questions. What does the transformation this verse speaks about really look like in a person? We clearly do not wake up one day and become a different person. So then how are we being transformed? Through what process does this transformation occur?
This verse seems to make it clear that a person who follows Jesus is being transformed, so why does it seem to us that not much changes from day to day, year to year? Why do people walk away from faith if they are becoming more like Jesus?

I believe this transformation doesn’t just happen by accident. Transformation comes when we partner with the Trinity, when we welcome in and engage with the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. Jesus called this process discipleship. We might call it an apprenticeship.

Perhaps we could look at the process of becoming an accomplished musician. A virtuoso did not simply read a book about the piano, or even listen to Beethoven, and then feel so inspired by that they were transformed into a professional musician. They may indeed have had a moment of inspiration, which led to years and years of disciplined practice and perseverance.

You do not change by trying very hard but by training very hard.

2 Corinthians 3:18 says we are ‘being’ transformed into his image. That is a doing word not a done word. If I want to become like Jesus, I need to commit to a path of practice and perseverance in my relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.
But what is the christian equivalent of practising piano? What leads to the type of transformation that we desire?
We will be discussing this topic on Saturday, June 1st, at 16:00 at Trinity church at the Saturday afternoon gathering. Will you join us?