Change That Comes by Gazing

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor 3:18

Have you ever noticed how couples who have been married for many years often start to look alike? It’s not just your imagination. Research shows that as couples spend years together, daily gazing at each other’s faces, they begin to mimic each other’s expressions. This repetition exercises the same muscle groups, gradually making them look more alike.

This same principle applies to believers who spend time beholding Jesus in His glory. Paul beautifully expresses this in our text this morning. The more we live with Jesus and continually gaze upon Him, the more we start to resemble Him. As we open our eyes to truly see Jesus for who He is, His attitudes and nature begin to shape us. Our own thoughts and ways fade, giving way to His. The more we meditate on the Word and engage in prayer, the deeper our spiritual renewal becomes. Jesus is the Word (John 1:1-4)—the express image of God (Heb 1:3); we are born again through the Word (2 Tim 3:15), and the Word of life nourishes our growth (1 Pet 2:2-3). The Word also sanctifies us through its cleansing power (Eph 5:26-27).

The Word of God is not merely historical text or a moral guideline; it is living and active (Heb 4:12), possessing the power to transform lives and circumstances. The Word of God inherently fosters change, growth, and abundance in those who receive it. Just as a farmer plants seeds and waits for them to grow, so does the Word work in our lives over time. The initial act of sowing—through studying and meditating on the Word—initiates a process that, with a receptive heart, perseverance, and faith, leads to spiritual development and fruitfulness.

Jesus illustrates this in Mark 4:26-29: “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.“

James urges us to apply the Word of God with unwavering consistency and persistence. As we meditate on the Word, we see a perfect reflection of ourselves in a mirror—Christ’s image. This divine reflection moulds us to become more like Him. The Bible promises that if we diligently keep looking into the perfect law that brings freedom and continue in it—not forgetting what we’ve heard but acting on it—we will be blessed in all we do (James 1:25). So, remain steadfast in engaging with the Word, trusting that it will bring about its intended effect in due time.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus, through whom we are renewed from glory to glory. Please help us continually gaze upon Him, immersing ourselves in the richness of Your Word and allowing its power to mould us. May our daily engagement with the Scriptures lead to a deeper walk with You, washing away our old ways and renewing us with Your truth. Grant us a heart that is receptive, a spirit that is steadfast, and faith that endures, so that Your Word may bear its intended fruit in our lives. May we reflect Christ’s love, nature, and glory in all that we do, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Kay Alli