Spiritual facelift ∙∙
For as he thinks within himself, so he is. – Proverbs 23:7
2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us with unveiled faces reflecting the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, which is from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon and psychologist, made a groundbreaking discovery. He found that altering a person’s appearance could profoundly transform their personality and life. This revelation, which he termed ‘Psycho-Cybernetics,’ became a cornerstone in the field of personal development. However, for others, there was no change at all. This intrigued Maltz, prompting further investigation.
Why do people seek facelifts? Often, they are dissatisfied with their appearance and feel dejected about themselves. They have what is now termed a “poor self-image.”
Maltz shifted his focus to the spiritual and psychological aspects of the individuals he treated. He came to understand that self-image is closely connected to self-worth. Maltz played a crucial role in popularizing the concept of “self-image,” emphasizing that our self-perception and thought patterns significantly impact our behavior. Our self-concept guides our mind, establishing targets, goals, and aspirations.
The term “cybernetics” originates from the Greek word kybernetes. Kybernetes comes from the Greek verb kybernao, which means to steer. Kybernetes refers to a helmsman, steersman, governor, pilot, or rudder. It refers to steering or guiding mechanisms. Maltz coined the term “Psycho-Cybernetics” to describe how one’s mind automatically pursues goals based on self-concept.
The conclusion is straightforward: changing your outward appearance does not automatically transform your self-image. Often, a psychological or spiritual facelift is frequently also required.
Dr. Maltz’s work in Psycho-Cybernetics was pivotal in launching the self-help movement, creating a new genre focused on personal development.
Although modern Psycho-Cybernetics was formulated in the 1950s and 1960s, it is not a recent discovery. Solomon understood this concept three millennia ago. He wrote about it in the Book of Proverbs circa 1000 BC.
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
The Hebrew word translated as “thinks” is shaar, which means to arrange, similar to arranging scales of balance or thoughts (Ross). Shaar carries a sense of calculation; thus, it can be interpreted as “as he calculated in his soul.” This suggests that our inner thinking reveals our true self-identity. As Waltke observed, “Johns Hopkins noted that one’s ‘inscape’ determines their landscape.”
Many modern discoveries derived from experience, thought, imagination, and reflection are often rediscoveries of truths that the Father revealed thousands of years ago. Revelation frequently precedes and surpasses the findings of modern rationalism and empiricism. It is incredible to have a Father God who knows everything all the time.
REFLECT & PRAY
Our inner thinking reveals our true self-identity. As Stanley put it, “God is after transformed lives, not merely reformed ones.”
Father, I am acutely aware that my inner self is a feeble reflection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please encourage me to let the Holy Spirit transform me daily from one degree of glory to another.
INSIGHT
The Scriptures teach that our actions reflect our thoughts; we act out what we think. They provide guidance on transforming our inner selves. This transformation requires “personal training” in an entirely different sense. We invite the Holy Spirit to act as our personal trainer.
2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us with unveiled faces reflecting the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, which is from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit works in the lives of each child of the King, gradually transforming us from what we were to what we will become. This transformation is a lifelong process, not an instantaneous change. It necessitates spending significant time in God’s Word. “As we train our minds to focus on the person of Jesus, as we meditate on Him, the Spirit begins molding us into His image” (Stanley).
We see the Father’s glory through His Word. “The image of God that we see in the Word accurately reflects God, though we do not yet see God Himself. We see the Lord in the mirror of God’s Word, not ourselves. We experience gradual transformation. As we observe Christ’s glory, we advance in Christlikeness and reflect His glory, not in our faces but in our characters” (Constable).
Every day, we look into a mirror and see our faces. Paul teaches that this image changes over time to reflect the face of the Lord Jesus Christ. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and contemplate His glory and the glory of His Son, the more Christlike we become.
The Father is an expert at performing spiritual transformations. He doesn’t need an MD; He has something far greater, a GOD “degree.”
The Greek word for “changed” is metamorphoo, from which we get the English word “metamorphosis.” Metamorphoo describes a transformation from the inside out, akin to how insects transform from larvae to pupae to adults.
2 Corinthians 3:18 “presents a truth so exciting that I marvel so many believers have missed it – or ignored it. You and I can share the image of Jesus Christ and go ‘from glory to glory’ through the ministry of the Spirit of God” (Wiersbe).
This transformation occurs in our minds, involving renewal, remodeling, and reconstruction.
Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
There is a natural principle at work. We begin to take on the characteristics of the people we spend time with.
Psalms 1:1-2
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
With whom or what do you spend most of your time? If you desire to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ, spend more time with Him in the Word. The Holy Spirit will handle the rest.
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© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 