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
Have you ever wondered what it is that causes you to know right from wrong? Or, what is it that gives us assurance when we’re going in the right direction, or that dead thud we feel inside when we’re heading the wrong way? Whether we’re doing right or wrong, we have an inside guidance system that acts like a compass and gives us a steady direction. What is that? It’s a system that is generated by the image of God in each one of us!
When Adam fell in the Garden, he always retained the image of God in his spirit. But he did not retain God’s likeness. He was born from life into death when he sinned, and the glory of God departed, leaving him in the image of God, but unable to fellowship with God. Death cannot fellowship with life, any more than darkness can have fellowship with light! (2 Cor. 6:14)
Thank God, Jesus changed all that! He said, “…I came that they might have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, to the full, till it overflows!” (John 10:10b) Jesus was speaking of the life we receive through the new birth, whereupon receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are born from death to life – eternal life! The old dead spirit is done away with and we become new creations, restored to the life that was lost in the fall!
Now, we not only have the image of God within, but we are now created in the likeness of God again! As children of God through the new birth, we find our identity in the mirror of the Word of God. When we begin to learn and apply the Word of God, our mind goes through a renovation process of renewal, that brings transformation to all facets of our lives!
If there is a dissatisfaction in your life, or an emptiness inside that causes you to want something more; if you have a hunger that yearns for a deeper meaning and purpose to your life; if you thirst for those things and more, it’s because you were created that way! Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that you were created with eternity in your heart that only eternal realities can fill! Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)
The Bread of Life, very simply, is the Word of God. The above scripture tells us that it’s the Word of God that reveals the image of God in us. The same way a mirror reflects our physical appearance, the Word of God reflects the inner man – the real you! And if you continue in the Word of God, you’ll know the truth, and the truth will make you free!
With Love,
Pastor Tom