Glorious!

“What does glory look like?” I asked the question as I looked at Colossians 1:27. It says that God lets the Gentiles know “the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (NIV).”

Part of the answer may come in asking, “What results from ‘Christ in me’?” As Jesus lives in me, He produces Holy Spirit fruit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Again, what does that look like? Maybe it shows up as my listening to the news the way Jesus would if He were me—not feeling threatened and not getting angry about things I can’t control. And I might remember to ask Father what parts of the news I need to pray about and how He would have me pray.

Perhaps it appears as compassion and joy in the Lord pushing out envy and self-seeking. Or a time when I experience contentment instead of jealousy and when I triumph over people-pleasing with confident trust in God’s love and care.

That sounds glorious to me. And Jesus Christ in me is making me like that.

“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 (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV).”

Plant in Good Soil

James 1:21—“So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.” New Living Translation

Holy Spirit, please change my heart and work in it so I become “good soil” as in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-8). The seed sown in good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s Word and do what it says so it produces fruit. (See Matthew 13:23 and James 1:22.)

Then, Spirit of the living God, please plant Jesus’ words (which are spirit and life) in my heart so they can grow and produce much fruit. Yes, develop in me fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Do it to bring glory and honor to our Lord. As this fruit is manifested, it will result in the transformation of my mind, will, and emotions so I’m more and more like Jesus. (See John 6:63 and Galatians 5:23)

So Spirit of the triune God who is God alone, I yield myself to You. Amen.