Seriously Part 3

"Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Corinthians 3:18).

"When He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (I John 3:2).

The Apostle Paul taught that growing into greater likeness to the Lord Jesus Christ results from the beholding of His glory. The Apostle John confirmed this truth by promising that believers will be perfected when we see the Lord at His coming.

Our seriousness regarding God flows from greater apprehension and experience of Christ's devotion to His Father. His perfect consecration, better known and understood, results in our own growing devotion. "Consider Him... lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds" (Hebrews 12:3). We become more serious in our relationship to God by looking to "Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). The Spirit of the Lord Jesus dwelling in us makes genuine dedication to God possible. Growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus makes such devotion more realized and actual in our day to day experience.

If we find ourselves "wearied and faint," our hope - our only hope - is to "consider Him." We open the written Word in order to behold the living Word. Remembrance of our Lord's person and work on our behalf, along with new insights thereof, awakens us to abundant joy and solemn seriousness. Ever and always, Christ is the door, the way, the power, and the life whereby the love of God and love for God become the growing influence of our lives. His person and work taken seriously changes us "into the same image," and thus into devoted sons and daughters who increasingly walk in genuine devotion to our relationship with the most important Person in our lives.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength... the love of God is shed abroad in your hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us."

(Mark 12:30; Romans 5:5)