The Freedom of True Spirituality (part 3)

What does true spirituality look like when the Holy Spirit has His way? True spirituality looks like freedom! “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Rev. Eric Foley, CEO of Seoul USA, asked members of the North Korean underground church how Americans could pray for them. They answered, “You pray for us? We pray for you!” When I asked why, they responded, “Because Western Christians often put so much faith in their prosperity and political freedoms that they don't know what it's like to have to depend completely on God. And because of that, they often do not get to know Him in all the ways He invites us to.'"

One North Korean prisoner described the pitiful conditions he experienced, but being a Christian in prison is the only place to enjoy freedom in Christ: "It's like seminary," he said. "I prayed for others daily. My faith grew by leaps and bounds even as my body decayed."

True Spirituality looks like Jesus.

There is a difference between an impressionist and an impersonator. An impressionist communicates an interpretation.



An impersonator takes on the persona (voice, gestures, etc): i.e. imitators



A truly spiritual person will look like Jesus, “transformed into the same image.” Not merely copying or interpreting, but a metamorphosis if you will. Many look to Jesus as a role model, so they study, practice, impersonate, but never become. Becoming like Jesus culminates in a glory that never fades.

Think on these:

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:18)

Being created in His image, we are halfway there. Just let Him author your spirituality and receive His Holy Spirit for the touchdown.