Book Reviewed
The very commanding statement the author makes is that “We aren’t born again to stay the way we are.” This draws us into a question, how many times we have looked around us in dismay at the lack of spiritual maturity along with the fellow believers? Instead of growing towards spiritual maturity, we are evidently seeing the rising rate of divorces among Christian couples. We find it in the high percentages of Christians, even pastors, who have fallen into pornography, greediness, selfishness, insecurity and so on. We often hear the news, even through mass media well-known Christian leaders found in sexual sin or handling finances dishonestly.
But, Dallas Willard brings good news through this piece of writing. One can surely experience significant growth in his or her Christian walk, giving up all of the sinful habits, and embrace on the character of Christ. In Renovation of the Heart, Willard calls it “the transformation of the spirit” — he writes that it is a divine process that “brings every element in our being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God” (page 93). As we become apprentices of Jesus our spirits are transformed.
But just what does it mean to say “renovation” and also “transformation”? Willard explains that its ideal end is when “all of the essential parts of the human self are effectively organized around God” (page 31). Yet they are to be restored and sustained by him. Spiritual transformation in Christ is the process leading to that ideal end, and its result is love of God with all of the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and of the neighbor as oneself.
Although one may acknowledge this as the ideal, he or she may still grow in curiosity — “How do I get there”? The book is a set of realistic guide to discipleship. It is a real challenge for all Christians towards reformation of hearts so to humble themselves unto molding of spiritual conditions. Willard lays a foundation for right spiritual understanding by discussing how human being indeed could be renewed. He describes common misunderstandings about ourselves, simply inviting the Christians into the discipleship process. Moreover, he outlines the general pattern of personal transformation — not as a formula, but as a systematic process that need to be undertaken as intentional disciples of Jesus Christ.
Book: Willard, Dallas. Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. Colorado Springs, CO: Nav. Press, 2002.
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