Communion with Christ transfigures a life. Every one we meet leaves a
touch upon us which becomes part of our character. Our lives are like
sheets of paper, and every one who comes writes a word, or a line, or
leaves a little picture painted there. Our intimate companions and
friends, who draw very close to us, and are much with us, entering into
our inner heart-life, make very deep impressions upon us.
If, therefore, we live with Christ, abide in him, the close, continued
companionship with him will change us into his likeness. Personal
friendship with Christ in this world is as possible as any merely human
friendship. The companionship is spiritual, but it is real. The
devout Christian has no other friend who enters so fully into his life
as does the Lord Christ Jesus. The effect of this companionship is the
transfiguring of the character. It is not without reason that the
artists paint the beloved disciple as likest his Lord in features. He
knew Jesus more intimately than any of the other disciples, and, in his
deeper, closer companionship, was more affected and impressed by the
Lord's beauty of holiness.
Again, keeping the eye upon the likeness of Christ transfigures the
life. The old monks intently gazed upon the crucifix, and they said
that the prints of the nails would come in their hands and feet, and
the thorn-scars in their brow as they beheld.
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