We all know that when we spend considerable time with others, we eventually become like them. Whether on purpose or not, the more we are around certain individuals, the more we start speaking, behaving, and even thinking like them.  This principle remains true in our relationship with Christ.  The more we fellowship and commune with God, the more we take on His true character!

The apostle Paul addressed this truth when he wrote, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18).  According to this verse, we are transformed into the very image of Christ as we behold His glory.  In other words, when we turn our full attention to God and worship Him, we take on His character.

It’s exciting to know that we can take on the nature of Jesus!  I know you share my desire to grow in the Lord, and there are three principles we should understand that will help us to do so.

First of all, we should understand that becoming like Jesus is an ongoing process, not a one-time, overnight experience.  In 2 Cor. 3:18, the word “transformed” signifies a metamorphosis, or a gradual change that occurs in stages, similar to the process a caterpillar experiences when it transforms into a butterfly.  You may not even notice your growth in the Lord as it occurs.  However, as you are faithful to worship Him, one day you’ll look back in your life and see the obvious progress you’ve made.  You’ll realize your anger and bitterness have been replaced with love and compassion.  Instead of criticizing and complaining, you’ll find that your words uplift and encourage.  Others around you will even notice your new, pleasant attitude.  The process is simply the result of growing more like Jesus.

Secondly, we should understand that true change is a work of the Holy Spirit.  When we try to change ourselves, we usually fail!  However, if we will look to God and simply let His Spirit work within us, we’ll be amazed at the supernatural change He makes.

Finally, we need to understand that there is never an end to growing in God.  Another translation of 2 Cor. 3:18 says we “are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory” (NIV).  His glory in us is always increasing!  No matter how much we grow in Christ, He always has so much more for us!

Therefore, to really grow in God, we shouldn’t just worship Him in spurts, only on Sundays or special occasions.  We should make heart-felt worship a daily practice.  Worshiping the Lord can become as natural as taking our next breath.  This type of worship-filled lifestyle helps maintain the proper environment for continual growth in the Lord.  So, keep beholding the Lord and keep letting Him change you. The more you worship Him, the more you’ll be like Him!