Early in my life I came to think that conversion fixed me for good from now on. In fact, initial faith is the beginning of a life-long journey. Justifying grace is set on taking us somewhere. The goal of the grace of Christ in our lives is character transformation. When we intentionally put into practice the teachings of Jesus in our lives, it transforms us at the core of our very being. Practicing the ways of Jesus takes us closer to our destination; to fall into the world’s way of acting and reacting detours us from the Way. We don’t get it right at every try, but if the direction of our life is to keep trusting, keep surrendering, keep obeying, then we will be changed more and more into Christlikeness.
“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT)
From “Growing Toward Maturity”, by H. Lamar Smith.
