There is something powerful about spending time with someone. Over time, we begin to recognize their expressions, anticipate their responses, and sometimes even adopt their mannerisms. Scripture teaches that something far deeper happens when believers consistently spend time with Jesus. Paul describes it as being “changed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Christian life is not simply about knowing more about Christ; it is about becoming more like Christ. God’s purpose is that believers should ultimately “be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). The more we behold Christ through Scripture, prayer, worship, and fellowship with Him, the more the Holy Spirit works within us to reflect His character.
We see a striking example of this transformation in the disciples. Peter and John were ordinary men without the formal rabbinical education possessed by many religious leaders. Yet after hearing them speak boldly about Christ, their opponents “took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Something about these men revealed the influence of the One with whom they had spent time. Three years of walking with Jesus, listening to His teaching, witnessing His compassion, observing His prayer life, and experiencing His correction had changed them. They were far from perfect, but they were no longer the men Jesus first called beside the Sea of Galilee.
The same transformation should be occurring in us. Spending time with Jesus should gradually affect how we speak, forgive, respond to difficult people, handle disappointment, and treat those who can do nothing for us. His compassion should increasingly become our compassion (Matthew 9:36). His humility should shape ours (Philippians 2:5–8). His willingness to forgive should influence how we forgive others (Colossians 3:13). This transformation does not happen through willpower alone. Paul teaches that it occurs “by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we remain connected to Christ, He produces within us the fruit of His character (Galatians 5:22–23).
Perhaps, then, one measure of our devotional lives is not simply how much time we spend with Jesus, but whether people can tell that we have been with Him. Are we becoming more patient, gracious, compassionate, humble, and forgiving? Jesus said, “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit” (John 15:5). Transformation is gradual, but it should be visible. The goal is not merely to leave our time with God knowing more Scripture. We should leave knowing Him more deeply and looking a little more like Him. May our lives increasingly cause others to recognize what they recognized in Peter and John: we have been with Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I do not want simply to know about You; I want to become more like You. As I spend time in Your presence, allow Your Spirit to transform my thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions. May Your character become increasingly visible in me until others can recognize that I have been with You. Amen.
Photo by Andy Vult on Unsplash
