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.
2 Corinthians 3:18
As Godseekers, we embark on an exhilarating and challenging path. It calls for nothing less than our whole selves—heart, mind, and spirit. At the heart of this pursuit is the desire for actual change, a transformation that molds us into God’s image. But how do we undergo such a profound change? As revealed in 2 Corinthians 3:18, the key is contemplation with unveiled faces.
To contemplate with an unveiled face means approaching God without masks, without pretense, and without the barriers we often put up, perhaps out of fear, shame, or simply habit. It’s about being vulnerable and open before God, trusting Him with our true selves. This openness is not always effortless; it requires courage to let go of our defenses and allow God to see us as we are. Yet, this is where transformation begins.
Imagine standing before a mirror with your face covered. The mirror reflects nothing but the veil, hiding your true identity. Similarly, our transformation is hindered when we veil our true selves from God. We might change superficially, but the deep, lasting change that reshapes our very being is blocked by the veils we hold up. Removing these veils allows God’s glory to shine through us, initiating a deep and genuine transformation process.
In the Bible, Moses encountered God’s glory on Mount Sinai, and his face shone. He had to veil his face among the Israelites because they were not ready to confront such glory. But in Christ, we are invited to behold God’s glory with unveiled faces. This is an invitation to intimacy with God, to see Him more clearly, and to be transformed by the sight of Him.
This transformation is not instantaneous. It’s a journey of ever-increasing glory, a progressive change that draws us closer to Christ’s likeness. We are changed as we continually seek God’s presence, allowing His Spirit to work within us. The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—begin to flourish in our lives. We reflect God’s character more clearly, impacting our lives and those around us.
So, which veils are you holding up? Fear? Doubt? Past hurt? Pride?
As Godseekers, we call to lay these at Jesus’ feet and approach God with vulnerability and openness. We are called to trust in His love and grace, allowing His glory to transform us from the inside out.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to remove the veils we’ve clung to for so long. Help us trust in Your love and grace, to be vulnerable before You, knowing that true change begins in Your presence. Transform us into Your image, Lord, with ever-increasing glory. Give us the courage to seek You wholeheartedly, to live lives that reflect Your love and grace to the world around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection:
- What veils are you holding up between you and God? How can you start to remove them?
- Reflect on a time when being vulnerable with God led to a deep sense of His presence and transformation in your life.
Step of Faith:
- Commit to spending time daily in God’s presence, asking Him to reveal any areas of your life where you wear veils. Journal these insights and pray over them, seeking God’s guidance on how to live with an unveiled face.
- Share your transformation journey with a trusted friend or mentor, discussing the changes you’ve noticed in your life as you’ve sought God more openly. This act of vulnerability can strengthen your faith and encourage others in their journeys as Godseekers.
