Becoming By Beholding

Article by Michael Goforth II:

How do people change?

If you were to look at the photo albums from my childhood, you would notice that in almost every picture I was matching my dad. Same clothes, same pose, and even the same haircut.

What’s interesting about the photos is that I did not have to be forced to be like my dad. No lectures, no motivational speeches, no threat of punishment. It was just natural. Why? Because I loved my dad, and we become like what we love. 

In 2 Corinthians 3:18 we’re given a key insight into how people change. The Apostle Paul says, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 

The whole point of the Christian life is to become like Christ. (Romans 8:29) This is a process that takes place over time and is what theologians refer to as sanctification. 

So, how do we become like Christ? True Christians understand that salvation comes by grace through faith, but many of them think sanctification comes by hard work through blood, sweat, and tears.

While the Christian life definitely requires effort, our text here in 2 Corinthians shows how change really happens.

We become like Christ, by beholding Christ. 

Back in the 90’s a strange phenomenon was spreading to basketball courts all over the country. Kids were sticking their tongues out as far as they could while attempting to, “be like Mike.” If you’re confused, “Mike” isn’t referring to me. (Although I can see how you would think that.) It’s referring to Michael Jordan, one of the best basketball players of all time.

Fans all over the country stood in awe as they beheld him play. Their hearts were captivated. And just like no one had to force me to be like my dad, no one had to force kids all over the county to try to be like Michael Jordan. It just came natural. We become like what we behold.

When we gaze at the glory of the Lord, perfectly displayed to us in Christ, we start to change. Our hearts become captivated by the beauty, the splendor, and the majesty of Jesus. We start to see Him as the true treasure that He is. We’re amazed by His love, His mercy, and His grace as we behold Him. And even though we may not notice it right away, the Holy Spirit is working a miracle on the inside. He is transforming us, “into the same image…” 

If we become like what we behold, the question is, what are you beholding? What has captivated your attention? Where are your eyes fixed? 

Do you truly want to change? If so, fix your eyes on Christ and behold Him for Who He truly is.

We become like Christ, by beholding Christ.