Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 3:18 – And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (NIV)

When I first became a Christian, I was looking for an "instant fix". Just as the apostle Paul had been struck down on the Damascus Road, I was expecting an instant transformation that was going to perfect me and turn my life into one of peace, joy, and all the good things I was expecting from the Christian life. As we are all to find out, there is a change immediately, but not in the quick and easy way we'd been expecting. The more I've studied the life of Paul himself, I find that his Damascus Road experience was just the beginning of a long life of growth, learning, and hardships.

I have found that for a Christian, the Damascus Road continues on. Jesus provided the cleansing for our sin-filled life. He made the pattern for our new life. He is the starting point. We have to consider the ongoing work of the Spirit of God, helping to mature and perfect believers.

Scripture describes Christians as growing from babies into mature disciples. The grace of God has broken down barriers, and we are drawn to Him. When we come to Him, Christ cleanses our souls. God's love given to us through Jesus brings rebirth and renewal. We are "transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory." As God's image takes shape in us, we will see God's power, and we'll know that our transformation has begun.

Prayer: Lord, create within us a new image. Let the love of Jesus come into our lives and bring transformation. Bring us into Your kingdom and use us to do Your work. Amen.

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