Transformed With Ever-Increasing Glory

"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

I actually read the Amplified Bible version of this verse today in my devotions, which words the verse as follows: "And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18 (Amplified Bible)

I immediately was humbled at the thought. I read several versions, and some noted that when God removes the veils from our faces, we see God with nothing in between us; and like a mirror, we radiate His awesome beauty. But, what was a distinction for me in the Amplified Bible version was that we are reflecting on (or contemplating) God's glory through His Word. I believe there is a distinct value that comes from meditating on God's Word every day and applying it to our lives. If we want to be transformed into His likeness, display His splendor and radiate with His beauty, we need to spend time with Him, learn from Him and have a 'real' relationship.

I believe God's holy Word is the only thing that can change my life and make me thin. I've tried other things that don't work. I need Him for my strength, my motivation and my saving grace. Without God's Word grounding my life, I'm left open to temptation, I'm left hopeless thinking there's no way that I can beat this struggle, and I'm left feeling alone in an uphill battle.

But, when I contemplate God's glory in His word, when I leave nothing untouched by my Savior or closed off from Him, when the veil is removed in this life (after all, the verse says with 'ever-increasing glory' and 'being transformed' as though it's a process here on earth rather than an instantaneous thing like when we die) and we are able to mirror our Savior's radiance, I believe the end result is true beauty and nothing less. May my life be a true reflection of God's glory and may He receive all the honor and praise for it.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which says that we are being transformed into Your likeness with ever-increasing glory. God, I want my life to mirror You. I give you the key to every area of my life and offer You the veil that comes between us. May we reflect Your glory. God I pray for each person reading this... may they come to know You in a mighty way through Your Word. And, Lord, I pray that we would all become thin and beautiful for Your utmost glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN!