“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
This may be my new favorite chapter in the Bible. Paul reminds us that the true qualification for ministry doesn’t come from degrees, training, or tradition—it comes from God. Holy Spirit enables us, not our abilities. That’s freeing for anyone who feels like their journey into ministry has been “different.” Even Paul says in verses 5–6, “We are not qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.”
The old way—living by the law—was about striving and human effort. But Paul says it brought only condemnation and fading glory. The new way is through Christ: Holy Spirit gives us life, righteousness, confidence, and boldness. Now we can not only see the glory of the Lord, but reflect it like mirrors. And unlike the fading glow on Moses’ face, the glory that shines through us grows brighter as we yield to Holy Spirit.
Yielding to Holy Spirit is like pressing the brightness button on your phone or laptop. The more we let Him rule in us, the brighter the reflection of Christ becomes. Our striving can’t make us look more like God—only Holy Spirit can. That’s why verse 17 has inspired so many worship songs: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Today, the call is simple but powerful: stop focusing on yourself and look at Him. Let Holy Spirit transfigure you. As you yield, you’ll find freedom, boldness, and life. Holy Spirit will do through you what you could never do by you.