A few weeks ago I was going through a closet and came across several boxes.  I pulled them off of the shelf and began to go through their contents.  The first box was very heavy and full of old family pictures.  The next box also contained pictures, but it was more recent and not as full.  The final box was even more recent and even less full.  I wondered where the boxes of pictures from the last few years were and realized that those pictures are all digitally stored on hard disks and memory cards.  

I was struck by the thought of how much things have changed.  I then examined some of the pictures a bit more deeply. I chuckled seeing my old hairstyles. One era of having my hair parted down the middle, another parting on the side, and finally just de-parting altogether. Most definitely, physically I have changed over the years. 

As I pondered all of the changes I saw over the years, I began to consider another type of change.  It is a change that should be every bit as noticeable as those on the surface but will endure eternally. 

 2 Cor 3:18   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. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.  ESV

A commitment to following Christ is a commitment to lifelong change.  There is an initial change that happens through the power of Jesus's atoning blood but also a process of continual transformation through the grace of His indwelling Spirit.  

This process is something that we should cultivate within our lives each and every day.  We should not be ignorant or indifferent to it, but rather consciously promote this metamorphosis. Change is going to happen.  The type of change is something we can influence by our priorities and decisions.     

The Psalmist equates refusal to change to not fearing God in Psalm 55:19. 
Ps 55:19   Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. KJV

Let us be ever mindful of our need for change to become more like Christ and ever committed to the process. 

Loving you all, 
Michael