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
Let’s focus on the latter part of today’s verse. It is the Holy Spirit’s work to cultivate Christlike character within us. As a song says, “Holy Spirit, make me more like Jesus.” This transformative process is known as sanctification. Sanctification involves daily aligning our lives with God’s will. It is an intentional process of removing anything that doesn’t reflect the life of Christ.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Philippians 2:13 NLT
Furthermore, our monthly resolutions, good intentions, and even zeal are insufficient on their own. Only the Holy Spirit can enact the changes God desires in our lives. When people think of the Holy Spirit’s power, they often imagine miraculous demonstrations and intense emotions. However, true sanctification comes through inhabitation, not through imitation or mere feelings. So, we must allow Christ to live in and through us by the power of the Holy Spirit, relying completely on His strength to guide us. Our role is to choose to live for Jesus and to cooperate with the Holy Spirit.
Always remember that the Spirit of the Lord dwells within you and empowers you to live for Him. This is the essence of sanctification. Yielding to Him means allowing Him to teach us His ways through His Word. Interestingly, His Word itself sanctifies us. We cannot simply wait for a sanctified life; we must actively pursue it through our actions. Therefore, we need to collaborate with the Holy Spirit to live a sanctified life each day through His power.
In conclusion, sanctification is a daily journey of becoming more like Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit. By embracing this process, we allow the Spirit to transform us from within, leading to a life that reflects the glory of God. As we choose to live for Jesus and cooperate with the Holy Spirit, we align ourselves with God’s purpose and grow in Christlikeness. Remember, sanctification is not about striving on our own but about allowing the Spirit to work in and through us. Let us commit to this journey, knowing that God’s power is at work within us, shaping us into His glorious image.
