The Christian life is transformation, being formed in the image of Christ. This does not mean that we are to live Jesus’ life as he did when he walked the earth. Rather we are to live our lives as Jesus would. Like Jesus says “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40).

Romans 8:29 states that the ultimate goal of the Christian life “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” We are to become bearers of Christ. Paul writes:

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 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 3:17-18).

A number of versions of the Bible include the word “beholding” in this passage, “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” (English Standard Version).

We can learn a number of things about transformation from this passage. Paul writes that with unveiled faces we will reflect God’s glory. Earlier in 2nd Corinthians Paul said that Moses veiled his face so the people would not see its radiance after he beheld God (3:13). We are permitted to reflect or behold God’s glory uninhibited. These words imply more than a passing glance. They imply contemplation. Moses’ face was radiant when he was in the presence of God. So, too, as we contemplate and dwell with God we are transformed. Paul says in 3:16 that our veil is removed when we turn to God. Notice, also, that Paul says that we all are being transformed. Additionally, we are told that Christ’s likeness is ever-increasing glory. This suggests that transformation is a process rather than a one-time change.
There are a few approaches to transformation that I want to mention. The 2nd Corinthians scripture focuses on a mystical or meditative approach, being transformed to more closely reflect God’s image by contemplating God and dwelling with God. There is unity that arises in the intimacy of beholding God. Disciplines such as prayer, contemplation, partaking in the sacraments, worship and celebration, compassion, silence and solitude can help us walk this path. Another route is through a “less-is-more,” ascetic approach. This route focuses on simplicity and discipline to enable us to encounter ourselves and to strip away the things that keep us veiled, both from beholding God and from sharing God’s light with others. Disciplines such as abstinence, silence, solitude, study, and humility can strengthen us along this route. Another path is through piety. Through devotion and faithfulness expressed through charity, good works, confession, and witness we develop our capacity to encounter and share God’s holiness. Practices helpful to this method include participating in religious rituals, doing charitable work, making confession a regular part of our prayer life, and sharing God’s ability to transform our lives with others.

I wanted to mention two practices that I have found to be beneficial. I have come to think of it as  lectio divina (spiritual reading, for an introduction to the original practice of lectio divina click the link) applied to daily living, spiritual reading of everyday living. The idea is to focus on reading the Spirit behind and within situations that we encounter on a given day, just as the practice of lectio divina focuses on reading for the purpose of encounter God’s message. This practice involves allowing ourselves to encounter life, to reflect on what we have encountered noting a particular event or exchange that grabs our attention, inquiring about how encounter speaks to our lives, and then listening to God’s invitation expressed through the event.

All of these aspects and practices can be beneficial, and it has been my experience that each route and each practice strengthens the others. I mention the different approaches to highlight the variety of ways that we can encounter God. Also to emphasize that what is important is not the particular approach or methodology but intentionally being in God’s presence. It is God who transforms us.