From Glory to Glory

In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul wrote,

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 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. (2 Cor 3:17-18)

We like that "there is freedom" phrase, and rightly so. True freedom is found only in the Lord. Think about that for a moment. The word chosen to express the means of freedom is "Lord". Genuine freedom is not the absence of external authority. Where, then, is freedom? In the transformation to the glory of the Lord.

Paul says this is achieved "with unveiled face." Not looking away. Not covering our eyes. Looking without blinders or obstruction at the glory of the Lord. Paul says that looking fully at the glory of the Lord changes us. It transforms us. It transforms us into His glory.

I can't think of anything better than to be changed from me to Him. Yes, that's too simplistic, but you get the idea. And I can't think of anything simpler than getting changed by gazing at His glory ... or anything more difficult.