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 Corinthians 3:18
What really is Christianity? Is it a religion? Is it an ‘institution’? Is it a business? Is it a ‘career’ path? Or is it a … person? Jesus Christ.
So many have been confused and believed something else but that needs to be a real and solid foundation of their faith. So many believe that ‘ritual’ shows God who they are and that He should love them because of that routine, ritual, tradition, or attendance in a certain building. So many believe attendance in a building on Sunday will be the ‘pass’ that will get them into heaven. Do you really think God is going to bring out your attendance record at Church, or synagogue, or mosque, to judge you at the end of your life? Or is it going to be about your heart and how much you listened to Him in your life? Not other preachers, or pastors, or online sermons, or podcasts, or studies, or programs, or music — but your REAL communion with Him and your humble obedience to His instructions to you … personally. Holding you accountable to the Rhema Word He spoke to your heart and mind. Christianity in this life will ALWAYS be about transformation. Going from the natural to the spiritual.
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
We all are in process here on earth. He wants us to be transitioning all the while we are here on earth. Transitioning to what? Reread the opening scripture on this devotional. We are to be transitioning from one image to an image that is ‘like’ Him, BUT it is He that is transforming us – through His Spirit. So that immediately begs the question – do you have an intimate conversation daily with the Holy Spirit? Are you really listening to Him? Can you even hear Him? Are you asking Him how He wants to transform you today? Are you asking Him what He wants you to learn … today? Are you able to win the fight over your ‘natural’ side? Or do you need His help?
So many think that ritual and routine will ‘save’ them. But God says, “No. It’s relationship with Me.” It’s intimate relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit that this earthly transition is about. We’ve been taught that God can be reached through so many other ways. Intellectualism. Ritual. Tradition. Academics. Religion. How do we really reach God? Though relationship with Jesus and His Holy Spirit. This worked for the thief on the cross next to Jesus. It also works for us. IF we actually press in to knowing Him. Even the most spiritually mature elder late in their life FULL of years knows that ‘knowing Jesus’ is the ultimate pursuit, unending, and incomprehensible. There is ALWAYS going to be MORE learning about Jesus and ALWAYS knowing Him more. He is BEYOND us finite created beings.
Stop. Settle your mind and heart. Ask the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Tell Jesus you are ready to listen to Him. Breathe. Take some deep breaths. Know that the very breath you have currently is because of Him! Your heart beats because of Him. You have life because of Him. Purposely meet with Him today.