Changed into the same image

“We all with unveiled face beholding, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image” (2 Cor. 3:18—R.V.).
“And ye became followers . . . of the Lord . . . so that ye were ensamples to all that believe” (1 Thess. 1:6-7).

When the old Hebrews wanted to describe a man who reached their ideal in religious life, they used the simple but comprehensive phrase, “He walked with God.” To them there was nothing higher than unbroken and unclouded communion with their Maker. That was, in their view, the secret of all holiness, and the New Testament has nothing higher than that to reveal. “We all with unveiled face beholding, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image.” When we sit before the camera, and have our portraits taken, our picture is printed on the prepared film, but when we behold and continue to behold the image of Christ we become the camera, and His image is printed on our souls. The teaching is, that we become like those with whom we keep company.


Go with me, Master, by the way,
Make every day a walk with Thee;
New glory shall the sunshine gain,
And all the clouds shall lightened be.
Go with me on life’s dusty road
And help me bear the weary load.
—Annie Johnson Flint.

Who has not watched some old couple come down life’s pilgrimage hand in hand with such gentle trust and joy in one another that their very faces wore the selfsame look? These were not two souls; it was a composite soul. Half a century’s companionship had told upon them. They were changed into the same image! What glorious possibilities are here suggested to those whom God hides in the secret of His presence? Who can think mean thoughts, or speak ungenerous words, in the presence of Christ? His mere presence must suggest immediately the right thing in the controlling passion, the subsiding of pride, and the overcoming of selfishness. In His company, who could help but always be at his best, and if this influence is perpetuated, what could not life become?
(From New Testament Holiness by Thomas Cook. Used by permission of the Epworth Press.)

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