“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” —2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

One of the greatest hindrances to growing in faith and developing a holy awe of God is the image we hold of ourselves. We become comfortable with our opinions, protective of our preferences, and committed to who we believe we are. Yet God’s purpose in our new birth reaches beyond forgiveness: He desires that Christ be formed in us.

The self-shaped image we cling to becomes a dark stronghold of self-rule. When Jesus confronts it through His Spirit and Truth, we face a choice: defend ourselves or surrender to His transforming grace. A repentant lifestyle keeps our hearts open to that work. Repentance means continually yielding our thoughts, desires, and decisions to His lordship, moment after moment.

This is why hearing and following Jesus are essential to spiritual growth. When preserving our own image matters more than obeying His voice, we resist the very words intended to change us. His invitation calls us into the surrender Jesus demonstrated: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Praying often in the Spirit supports this surrendered life. Jude 20 calls us to build ourselves up in faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Paul teaches that praying in tongues edifies the believer and speaks of praying with both our spirit and our understanding (1 Corinthians 14:4, 14–15). We should receive this help with hearts ready to listen, repent, and obey.

As we contemplate His glory, the Spirit transforms us into His likeness. Our part is to keep turning toward Jesus with an unveiled, surrendered heart.

Pray: Jesus, reveal what I am protecting that You desire to transform. Teach me to hear Your voice, surrender my will, and follow You until Your likeness is increasingly seen in me.