In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul helps us understand what it means to turn our lives over to Christ. We do this that His Spirit may dwell with us instead of the evils of this world. Now, looking at verse 9, it reads, “for if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech.” (2 Corinthians 3:9-12) Isn’t it is glorious as Paul said when we give up our addictions, bad habits, and every willful sin to Jesus? This is such a relief, isn’t it? It is sure. And not just for the health of our flesh, but for the sanctification of our souls. In so doing, we are telling God that we desire to live for Him now and no longer the flesh. In prayer, God hears us and knows our true intentions. Then, as we read the Bible daily and do as the Lord says, His blessings do begin to flow in our lives. You will never know the kind of work You are able to do for God until you give your whole soul to following Jesus. You will become a light unto the lost, even to the scattering forth of the darkness, that Jesus may dwell among the people you interact with. This is what is called a man or woman after God’s own heart. A true witness for Jesus, indeed.
Paul also taught, “and not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:13-18) It is amazing the amount of time we now have for doing God’s will once we submit to Him fully. The time we once gave over to playing video games, watching TV, movies, and other videos, God now has the most precious time in our day. And because we are no longer being brainwashed by the things we watch and do, God is now able to conform us into the person we ought to be in His kingdom. The veil has finally been lifted off of our faces and we can also behold the glory of the Lord. His Spirit is round about us and we cannot help but rejoice and worship the Lord of Spirits. We are changed from glory to glory, but His Spirit. If this has not happened to you yet, give Jesus your life, starting today.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that I will continue following You until the end of time. Keep my paths straight that I may not fall victim to Satan’s schemes again. His temptations have done me over one too many times and I feel terrible each time I have fallen. You have heard my cries and my pleadings for forgiveness and mercy. If I have fallen into sin, then I have failed You. This breaks my heart just thinking it. Therefore, I have built myself up in Your armor, of Lord. I have a way out of every temptation now, for You are with me. Though the devil still comes and tries me, I am able to fight against Him and win the battle. Thank You, God. Even a few days ago, I was looking up a picture about heaven and a pornographic picture showed up. It so discussed me that I had to click out of the window immediately. Now, I remember in years past, that this would never have happened. I would have justified clicking on the picture and justified my actions. Thankfully, Lord, Your Spirit has come inside of me. I can now see the goodness of this world and the evils of this world all the same. And as You have helped me understand that sin cannot enter heaven, I no longer wish to willfully sin also. And not only that, God, it is You who wills me to live differently. Because I trust in You every day, hour, minute, and second, I am a new person. I have been reborn in the Spirit. Thank You, Jesus, for saving a wretch like me. I am different because you have made me different. I love You, God. Amen.
