2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (RSV) 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
I understand that a caged animal will sometimes remain in his confinement even after the doors are opened and he is coaxed to come out. Freedom can be an uncomfortable state.
A habit is a source of comfort. A habit is restricts us a certain set course of behavior. To eat breakfast everyday at a set time and eat the very same thing is a self imposed restriction. One is free to do otherwise, but if we cannot comfortably exercise this freedom are we really free?
This passage tells us that where God is there is freedom. It also tells us that where God is there is change. Improvement is change. Change can feel uncomfortable at first. So improvement can be uncomfortable.
We learn here that with God, this change is gradual – “from one degree to another.”
This change happens as we look to God – that is, to His glory. If we are stuck in our habits, we do not want to change, if looking to God means that we shall be changed, we may avoid looking to God.
Where are we most likely to gaze upon the presence of God? Is it not in worship? Can you open yourself to God in worship? Do you long to see God’s unveiled face in worship? Perhaps we do not? Because when we do so, we shall be forever different.
A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word darkness on the walls of his cell.
C. S. Lewis (1898–1963)
The glory of God is a living man; and the life of man consists in beholding God.
Saint Irenaeus (c. 130–c. 200)
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