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A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

by Elder Sharon Zimmerman

We have all heard that saying, “He’s a chip off the old block or a similar saying “They are cut from the same cloth.” These sayings are mostly used on children who look or act like their parents. We may even see it in leadership styles in business, in apprenticeship/ mentoring relationships or between students and their professors. In each case, the characteristics or behaviors of the parent, the mentor, the teacher, or coach are seen in the child, student, mentee or apprentice as they grow and develop. These characteristics just don’t appear or happen. They are learned and developed over a period of time in close proximity and relationship with the parent/mentor/ teacher.

Becoming more like Christ is learned the exact same way by relationship, study and spending time with the Lord. However, the scripture in 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NLT) tells us even more happens in this process-

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 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.”

The Holy Spirit transforming us MORE and MORE(exponentially) like Christ by as we turn to the Lord.

  1. He removes the veil so we can SEE the glory of God!  What was once obscured is now clear,  and we can behold the Lord in His spender. We have been brought out of darkness into His marvelous light.  There is freedom!
  2. We not only see but now REFLECT the Glory of God.  As we turn to God, like a mirror we can reflect God’s glory in the earth. 

That is such a powerful revelation! We do our part in turning to God and the Holy Spirit is amplifying our efforts and doing the work to conform us into the image of God. We keep trying to build ourselves to be an example, and God is saying turn to me and I’ll make you an example. He needs our proximity, diligence in seeking Him and submission. By yielding to God, we release and submit ourselves to Him for His glory and honor to be used as He sees fit.

That is literally was Christ did- He did those things that only pleased the Father and reflected the Father’s glory. Christ is the cornerstone, and as we follow His example, we are indeed a “Chip off the old block” .