And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

At creation, we were intended to be the image of God (Gen 1:27). Of course, even in their innocence, Adam and Eve were merely the image of God. They were never God and never intended to be fully God. And, of course, in our sinfulness we are a very poor image of God. But, if we spend time focusing on, beholding, the glory of the Lord, we have the promise that we will be transformed into the image of the Lord we have so often displeased, disappointed and dishonored.

But what happens if, instead of beholding the glory of the Lord, we spend our lives beholding the workings of Satan? What happens if we take our eyes off of Christ and set them instead on the things of the world? Will we still be transformed?

Yes, I believe we will be transformed, but it will not be the Lord’s image that we bear. Jeremiah speaks of those who went after worthless idols and became worthless (Jer 2:5). Some people say, “You are what you eat,” and there is a degree of truth in that. It is also true that “We come to resemble what we fix our eyes upon.” No, you cannot become slim and handsome by looking at photos of slim and handsome people. But our personalities and our values are greatly influenced by those with whom we spend our time.

On the one hand, we must not be deceived, “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33, ESV). On the other hand, if we spend our time beholding the Lord’s glory, we will be transformed into his image.

Which will it be this week? Seven days from now will we be a bit more like our Lord? Or will we instead be more and more conformed to this world?

We are all being transformed. The question is the direction of the transformation. Into whose image are we being transformed?