Resetting to Change
Estimated Reading time: 6 minutes · Written by Judy MooreWe’ve all heard the phrase, “You haven’t changed a bit!”, a well-meaning compliment, especially at reunions or chance encounters with old friends. But within the Christian faith, this sentiment carries a deeper implication: if we’re walking with Jesus, we should be changing. Transformation is not only encouraged, it’s expected and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
In a world hungry for personal growth, authenticity, and lasting change, the message of 2 Corinthians 3 is as relevant as ever. Paul writes to the church in Corinth, a community full of dysfunction and disarray, and offers them (and us) hope: change is possible. Real, lasting, Spirit-driven change. Through the veil-lifting work of Jesus, we are invited into a life of increasing glory.
We’ll explore three key themes from Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians: our metamorphosis, our boldness, and the removal of the veil. These ideas are not abstract theology, they are an invitation into a life infused with divine transformation, even amidst our failures, doubts, and daily struggles.
1. Metamorphosis: Becoming Who We’re Meant to Be
Paul uses a fascinating word in his letter: metamorphosis. It’s a word loaded with meaning, often associated with caterpillars becoming butterflies. Here to the Corinthians, Paul is painting a picture of glorious, Spirit-empowered transformation.
Unlike Moses, whose face shone temporarily after encountering God, we are promised a transformation that lasts. The Israelites could see God’s glory on Moses’ face, but it faded. By contrast, when we behold Jesus–in Scripture, in worship, in prayer, and in community–we are being changed daily, often without even realising it.
Even in our weakest moments, the Spirit is at work. You might feel like you’re crawling through your spiritual journey, but crawling is still moving forward. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but by all means, keep moving.”
The transformation Paul speaks of is not self-improvement. It’s Spirit-infused change that leads us to become more like Christ. As we grow in holiness, we’re not becoming better than others; we’re becoming better versions of ourselves.
The Holy Spirit’s role in this metamorphosis isn’t simply to inspire us. He infuses us, with power, conviction, hope, and endurance. Each day, as we take in truth, hear others’ prayers, and spend time with God’s Word, we’re being made new.
2. Boldness: From Settlers to Adventurers
Paul continues his challenge with a powerful statement: “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold.”
Hope breeds boldness. And boldness is the mark of a life that is not settling for complacency. It’s the difference between being a settler and an adventurer in faith.
Ezekiel 47, the Scripture that our church was founded on, paints a prophetic vision of people wading deeper and deeper into the river of God’s presence, ankle-deep, waist-deep, eventually swimming in it. But there’s a temptation, especially in difficult seasons, to camp out on the bank of the river rather than jump in. However, we’re called to keep moving into the depths of transformation and mission.
Being bold doesn't always look like standing on a stage or preaching to crowds. Sometimes it's as simple–and powerful–as having a conversation with a neighbour. One woman in our church felt she had the gift of a listening ear and started a ministry called The Listening Rooms. Her first attempt failed, no one came. But instead of quitting, she tried again. Now, it’s become a fruitful ministry here, offering mental health and wellbeing support.
Boldness may lead to failure at first. That’s okay. Change is rarely linear. But God honours our risk. He honours our willingness to say, “Here I am, Lord, use me.”
3. The Veil is Removed: Living in Freedom
One of the most powerful truths in Paul’s writing is this: the veil has been removed. No longer do we need to approach God from a distance or through religious intermediaries. In Christ, we are given freedom, intimacy, and access.
The veil, historically put up in the temple to shield the people from God’s glory, symbolises spiritual blindness. But now, we are free to behold God’s glory and be transformed by it.
Like a bride lifting her veil on her wedding day, this is a moment of intimate encounter. We are no longer strangers or servants, we are friends of Jesus. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Freedom from shame. Freedom from performance. Freedom from the lie that we’ll never change.
This freedom doesn’t remove struggle. In fact, some of our deepest growth happens in our darkest moments. But the promise remains: we are not alone. God is with us, for us, and actively working within us.
A Letter to the World
At the start of this chapter, Paul offers another beautiful image. He says, “You are a letter.” Not written in ink, but by the Spirit of the living God. Our lives are love letters to the world–testaments of grace, transformation, and hope.
On our worst days and best days, we are being read by others. And not so they can admire our perfection, but so they can see Jesus in our imperfection. We are poems of God’s grace in motion, unfolding line by line, day by day.
As Charles Wesley wrote in the hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling:
“Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Him,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.”
That’s the trajectory of the Christian life. From weary to wonder. From brokenness to beauty. From self-reliance to Spirit-dependence.
For Reflection
As we consider this journey of transformation, boldness, and freedom, it’s worth asking:
What’s one area in your life where you long to see change?
What lie might you be believing that says, “You’ll never change”?
Where might God be asking you to be bolder, perhaps with your time, your gifts, or your voice?
Are there ways you’ve been spectating instead of participating in the river of change?
Remember: change doesn’t begin with trying harder. It begins with seeing Jesus, and letting that gaze change you from the inside out.
Keep Moving Forward
The Christian life isn’t about staying the same. It’s about being transformed from glory to glory. Not because we’re trying to earn God’s love, but because we’ve already received it.
Whether you’re flying, running, walking, or crawling, keep going. The Spirit is at work in you. The veil is lifted. The letter is being written.
And the world is watching, not to see our perfection, but to witness our transformation.
Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus. Let’s be intentional in pursuing practices and community that stir our affections for Him. Let’s believe that real change is possible.
And let’s be the kind of people who, through our love, our boldness, and our metamorphosis, reveal the glory of the One who makes all things new.
The original teaching has been edited for clarity and brevity; This is not a transcript.