BIBLE READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 3:17–18 (KJV)
17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
EXHORTATION
KEY VERSE:
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18
Welcome to Mercy Speaking Devotional on this blessed Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Yesterday, we reflected on the importance of spiritual maturity and the fact that God does not want us to remain spiritually unchanged. Today, we move one step further. Spiritual maturity is not something that happens instantly; it is part of a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ.
Today is also Independence Day in Nigeria. On October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent and sovereign nation. As Nigerians remember this significant milestone, it is appropriate to think not only about national independence but also about the freedom Christ gives and the responsibility that comes with it. Freedom is not merely freedom from something; it is also freedom for something. In Christ, we are set free so that we can increasingly live for God.
This brings us to today’s theme: The Journey of Becoming.
Every meaningful journey has a starting point, but the starting point is not the destination. When someone begins a journey, there are places to pass through, lessons to learn, obstacles to overcome and changes that take place along the way. The Christian life is also a journey. When we come to Christ, we are saved by grace, but God does not intend for us to remain exactly as we were. He begins a work of transformation that continues throughout our lives.
The story of Charles “Chuck” Colson gives us a powerful picture of this kind of transformation. Colson had been a highly influential political adviser in the United States. In 1973, he became a Christian. In 1974, he pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and was subsequently imprisoned. During his seven months in federal prison, his understanding of God’s purpose for his life developed in a new direction. After his release in 1975, he became increasingly concerned about prisoners and their families, and in 1976 he founded Prison Fellowship.
His story is not presented as an example of human perfection, but as a testimony to the transforming grace of God. A man whose life had been moving in one direction encountered Christ, and his purpose, priorities and service were subsequently reshaped.
That is what God does in the life of a believer.
Paul says in our key verse that we “are changed into the same image from glory to glory.” Notice the word changed. God is not merely interested in making us religious. He is making us more like Christ.
This is important because it is possible to be a Christian for many years without becoming spiritually mature. We may know many Scriptures without consistently applying them. We may attend church regularly without allowing Christ to govern our behaviour at home. We may know how to speak Christian language while still struggling with anger, pride, unforgiveness, dishonesty or selfishness.
God is interested in something deeper than religious appearance. He wants to transform our character.
Romans 8:29 tells us that God’s purpose is for His children to be “conformed to the image of his Son.” God’s desire is that Christ should increasingly be seen in us—in our words, attitudes, relationships, decisions and responses to difficult situations.
Sometimes this transformation is encouraging. At other times, it is uncomfortable.
God may reveal something in our character that we would rather ignore. He may allow a difficult relationship to expose our impatience. He may take us through a season of waiting that teaches us to trust Him. He may challenge us to forgive when we would rather hold on to an offence. He may ask us to surrender an ambition, habit or attitude that is hindering our obedience.
These experiences can become part of our journey of becoming.
A child does not become mature simply by growing older. Physical growth happens naturally, but maturity requires development. In the same way, the number of years we have spent as Christians is not the only measure of spiritual maturity.
We should ask ourselves: Am I becoming more patient? Am I becoming more loving? Am I more willing to forgive? Am I more obedient to God’s Word? Am I becoming more humble? Am I learning to trust God more deeply? Is the character of Jesus becoming increasingly visible in my life?
These questions matter because genuine spiritual growth involves transformation from the inside out.
The wonderful news is that God does not leave us to accomplish this transformation by our own strength. Paul says that we are changed “even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The Holy Spirit is actively working in the believer. He uses God’s Word, prayer, fellowship, correction, service, trials and everyday experiences to shape us.
Our responsibility is to cooperate with Him.
We must keep our hearts open to God’s Word. We must be willing to repent when the Holy Spirit corrects us. We must obey what God has already shown us. We must pray for grace rather than making excuses for areas that need to change. Most importantly, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, because the more we behold Him, the more His character is reflected in our lives.
This is also where today’s Independence Day reflection becomes meaningful. National independence carries responsibility. In the same way, spiritual freedom carries responsibility. Galatians 5:13 reminds believers that we have been called to liberty, but that liberty should not become an opportunity to serve the flesh. Christian freedom is freedom to love, obey, serve and glorify God.
Jesus did not set us free so that we could remain controlled by the very things from which He delivered us. He sets us free so that we can increasingly become the people God created us to be.
Therefore, do not become discouraged because you are not yet where you want to be. You may look at your life and see many things that still need to change. Bring them honestly before God.
Philippians 1:6 gives us confidence that “he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
You are still becoming.
Perhaps there was a time when you were easily offended, but today you are learning to forgive. Perhaps fear once controlled your decisions, but now you are learning to trust God. Perhaps you were once careless with God’s Word, but now you desire to know and obey it. Do not despise these signs of growth simply because you have not reached perfection.
At the same time, do not use the fact that you are still growing as an excuse for spiritual stagnation. Grace is not permission to remain unchanged. God’s grace empowers us to become what He has called us to be.
Today, ask the Lord, “What are You forming in me?” Then listen, surrender and obey.
The journey may take time. There may be difficult seasons. There may be moments when progress seems slow. But God is faithful. The One who began the work is still working.
Your past is not the final definition of your life. Your present struggles are not the end of your story. In Christ, God is continually shaping you.
So keep walking. Keep learning. Keep surrendering. Keep growing. Keep looking to Jesus.
The journey of becoming is ultimately the journey of becoming more like Christ. And just as Nigeria’s journey as an independent nation continues, your journey of spiritual transformation continues as well. The Holy Spirit is faithfully working in you from glory to glory.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What area of your life is God presently calling you to surrender so that you can become more like Christ?
PRAYER POINTS
- Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your mercy, grace and faithfulness. Thank You for saving me, setting me free in Christ and beginning Your transforming work in my life.
- Lord, have mercy upon me and forgive me for every attitude, habit, thought and action that has hindered my spiritual growth. Cleanse me and help me walk faithfully with You.
- Holy Spirit, transform my heart and make me increasingly like Jesus in my character, words, attitudes and actions.
- Father, help me to grow beyond religious activity into genuine spiritual maturity. Teach me not only to hear Your Word but also to obey and practise it.
- Lord, give me patience and perseverance when spiritual growth feels slow or difficult. Help me to trust Your work in me and never give up.
- Father, reveal the specific areas of my life that need to change, and give me grace to use my freedom in Christ to serve You, love others and obey Your Word in my family, relationships, work and daily life.
- Father, I thank You because the work You have begun in me is not abandoned. I trust Your grace, Your Spirit and Your faithfulness to complete what You have started in my life, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
