By Prophet John Tunke Bisina
TEXTS: Matthew 5:16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:10
CHRISTIANITY was never designed to be hidden in the heart alone; it is meant to be seen in the life daily. God’s intention is not merely that we profess faith, but that we portray His glory in practical living. Our lives are to become living exhibitions of divine reality.
Christ declares in Matthew 5:14–16: “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” In the same vein, Philippians 2:15 reminds us that believers are to “shine as lights in the world,” while Isaiah 60:1 calls us to “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.”
The implication is unmistakable: God’s glory in us must become God’s glory through us. We are not spiritual reservoirs designed to store His presence; we are spiritual reflectors ordained to showcase His nature.
Before God’s glory is displayed outwardly, it must first be developed inwardly. The Christian life is fundamentally a life of transformation, not mere reformation. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 3:18 : “…beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Here lies a profound spiritual principle: beholding produces becoming. As we fix our gaze upon Christ, we are gradually conformed into His likeness.
This transformation begins with focused contemplation. Scripture calls us to “look unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2) and to “behold the beauty of the Lord” (Psalm 27:4). What occupies our attention ultimately shapes our character. A distracted believer will be a deformed reflector, but a devoted believer will increasingly mirror Christ.
The goal of this process is unmistakable–Christlikeness. Romans 8:29 reveals that we are predestined “to be conformed to the image of His Son”. We must therefore, crave for Christlikeness (Phil 3: 10). God is not merely adjusting behavior; He is reproducing Christ. Until Christ is formed within, God’s glory cannot be fully revealed without.
God’s Word is also central to our transformation as it cleanses and sanctifies us (John 15:3; 17:17). There must of necessity be consistent prayer that leads to divine operation of transformation (Psalm 51:10; Phil 3:10).
Yet this change is not self-generated. It is driven by divine operation. Philippians 2:13 affirms, “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Likewise, Titus 3:15 informs us that the Holy Spirit regenerates and renews us. The Spirit of God works within to reproduce the life of Christ in us.
When transformation takes place within, it naturally expresses itself in daily conduct without. God’s glory is not abstract–it becomes visible in the believer’s lifestyle. We are charged in Colossians 1:10 to “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
This worthy walk is demonstrated first in character. The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control–represents the inner virtues that reflect divine nature. Similarly, 2 Peter 1:5–7 outlines a progression of virtues that must be diligently cultivated. Character is the clearest evidence that reveals God’s glory in us.
It is also expressed through conduct. Titus 2:7 calls believers to be “a pattern of good works,” while Hebrews 13:16 exhorts us not to forget “to do good and to share.” Good works are not the root of salvation, but they are undeniably the fruit of transformation.
Further, God’s glory is revealed in our communication. Colossians 4:6 instructs, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt,” and Ephesians 4:29 warns against corrupt communication, urging instead words that edify. A life filled with God’s glory will produce a tongue that builds rather than breaks.
Finally, this display must be marked by consistency. Luke 9:23 calls for daily cross-bearing, and 1 Corinthians 15:31 echoes, “I die daily.” The glory of God is not displayed in occasional spiritual highs, but in habitual holy living. Consistency converts moments of inspiration into a lifestyle of manifestation.
When a believer is inwardly transformed and outwardly consistent, there emerges a visible testimony that brings glory to God. Jesus declares in John 15:8: “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
The first evidence of this is fruitfulness. Philippians 1:11 speaks of being “filled with the fruits of righteousness…to the glory and praise of God.” A fruitful life is a glory-filled life.
Secondly, there is a compelling witness. As Matthew 5:16 affirms, when men see our good works, they glorify God. Likewise, 1 Peter 2:12 teaches that even unbelievers, observing our conduct, may be drawn to glorify God. In this sense, the believer’s life becomes a living sermon–often more powerful than spoken words.
There is also a necessary separation. Philippians 2:15 describes believers as “blameless and harmless…in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,” shining as lights. 2 Corinthians 6:17 commands separation from worldly defilement. Distinction is essential; without it, there can be no clear display. A compromised life clouds the clarity of God’s glory.
Finally, there is the promise of future perfection. 1 John 3:2 assures us, “we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is,” and Colossians 3:4 declares that we shall appear with Him in glory. What we now display imperfectly will one day be perfectly manifested.
Displaying God’s glory is not an occasional act–it is a continuous alignment with Christ. As 2 Corinthians 4:6 reveals, God has shone in our hearts “to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
The responsibility, therefore, is clear and compelling: Behold Him continually that transformation may occur, become like Him progressively that His nature may be formed, and behave for Him consistently that His glory may be seen.
Ultimately, when Christ is fully formed within us, God will be clearly revealed through us. And when our lives become bright with His presence, the world will not merely hear about God–they will see Him.
…Delivered during the Tuesday Scripture Exposition Service at the OLD TIME POWER CHURCH on April 21, 2026. Subscribe to our Youtube channel@Oldtimepowerchurch, follow us on Facebook.com/Old Time Power Church, and visit our website:oldtimepowerchurch.org.
