Unveiled Faces
“And we all, 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.”– 2 Corinthians 3:18
I’ve always loved this verse, and long to reflect the Lord’s glory while being more and more transformed into his likeness through his Spirit. I must confess, though, often I instead veil my face of God’s glory by my own doing. Through pride, disobedience, fear of what others will think, etc. I veil my face, making it harder for God’s glory to be seen through me. I pray that today, God’s Spirit would give me boldness to unveil my face and show God’s glory to each person I come in contact with.
What ways do you “veil” your face from exhibiting God’s glory?
I’ve prayed about this at times. I think I veil my face more from other Christians than from non Christians in my own life…to keep from the insinuation of one-up-man-ship. “Oh, I’ve spent time with God today…watch me be courageous! [perceived/insinuated: so sorry that as a working mom you don' t have that kind of time with him".)
"I have faith in this situation...[implied/perceived: sure wish you did]
“How are you?” “I’m GREAT! How are you?” [perceived/implied: It is less than holy to be anything by GREAT! So don't tell me about your real day.]
Radiance is awesome….and sometimes the problem is more with the person “perceiving an implication” not intended or not there than with us. I just say this to say that I think there is wisdom in responding appropriate to the situation or person without the intention to just “shine at all costs”.
Reflecting Christ is responding to people as THEY need…not from a basis of what WE need to do to be “more radiant than Moses”.
I hope that makes a lick of sense. Something I’ve struggled through many times. Not sure I’ve been able to articulate why until responding here. Great to see I’m starting to learn “why”.
Congratulations on your publication…I wonder why…in a spiritual magazine, they took the “spiritual” out? Hmm. Well done…in any case!
I really think we have to be very careful how we “glow”.
I think what veils my face from displaying the glory of God is turning inward…along with those other things you listed. If I am constantly looking at me, my victory or failure, my desire or disappointment my face is turned to me. If I fix my own gaze on who He is, I am more likely to point others to Him as well.
My “veil” is the weight of sin that I carry on my shoulders instead of looking to the Cross and crying out for God’s mercy on me to forgive me and transform me into His image. Too often do I catch myself feeling the weight of my sin instead of turning to Him. It’s so easy for me to do, yet the burden is so heavy! The beauty of this is that I don’t have to carry it and it’s Christ that already carried it! I am free! If only I really acted like it. I think that if I did feel that weight and burden lifted, I would more often be noticed by others as being more Christ-like. Hmm, I just gave myself an encouragement. That doesn’t happen very often! Thanks, Danielle. Please pray that I would look to the Cross more.
Yup, yup, yup. Ya’ll got it going on in the head.
All good points ladies! You’ve encouraged me as well.
great thoughts Danielle. Great verse!
I think I often do do not show my love for Christ in my life. I am too proud and like someone else said reply all is well when I might be struggling with my devotion time for instnance. I am prideful, I think how I have forgiven others who have hurt me and how great I am…so dumb. I am just as much a sinner as anyone else, and Christs death on the cross…the ultimate sacrifice for all I have done to him as a sinner, and he is this perfect being who owed me nothing and forgave me anyway! Amazing.
Sorry for the rant!