Freedom #6—Transforming Freedom

When someone turns to the Lord, the inability to see God’s glory is removed. The Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we each, with unveiled face beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3:17–18

“Aha!” experiences are not only wonderful all by themselves, they are also wonderful because they are so freeing. Vast new possible futures open before us when the light finally goes on. We can see relationships we did not know existed. We can foresee connections and projects that otherwise never could have developed. This is the kind of freedom Paul has in mind in these verses. Becoming a disciple of Jesus is the best of these “Aha!” experiences. When we heard the Gospel, the Holy Spirit freed us by enabling us to perceive and appreciate “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” Now as we continue to view all God has shown us of himself in Scripture, we see the panorama of life as God intends us to live it, rather than the narrow restricted view of our sinful self-centeredness. His word becomes a “lamp to our feet and a light to our path.” And his Spirit manifests himself through us for ministry as Christ’s agents. In other words, as our exposure to the glory of God increases, we absorb more of that glory, and our capacity to light the way for others grows as well.

Glorious Lord, grant me wisdom and power as I graciously seek to use my freedom to bring others into the same experience of your glory that I enjoy. Amen.