“Transformation is not a passive process.
It is a process in which we continue to make
choices and our character develops.”
Ask anyone in
church if they desire to grow in their faith, to become more like Christ, and
the usual response is “Yes.” Follow that
question with another, “What are you doing now for that to happen?” and the
usual response is a puzzled look. Rarely
does the average church member think about intentional steps for growing in
their faith. Others mistakenly believe
that regular attendance in worship does the job. Make no mistake, regular worship is vital for
a growing faith. But alone, from any
other intentional practices, worship will accomplish little in spiritual
growth.
I have written a
book, Faith Journey: a Pathway for
Traveling with Christ, which is really a curriculum in Christlikeness. This fourteen-week journey with a small group
looks at the nature of discipleship, the five irreducible faith practices of a
follower of Jesus and guides each person in the development of a personal,
intentional, spiritual growth plan for becoming more Christlike. In one sense, this curriculum is a “starter
kit” for beginning an authentic walk with Jesus that leads to personal
transformation.
Dallas Willard is
right that spiritual transformation does not just happen because we wish for
it. We clearly see this truth with our
physical bodies. If we desire to be
physically fit and full of energy what is required is intentional practices of
regular exercise and good choices with our diet. No one has ever “wished” pounds off. Choices must be made and acted on.
Fortunately,
there is help with nearly every desire for change. Alcoholics Anonymous has helped countless
people move away from an unhealthy dependence on alcohol, Weight Watchers and
Jenny Craig have assisted many in losing weight, and similar support groups for
other difficulties abound. Rarely does
someone have to “go it alone” when seeking transformation. But in every one of these organizations,
membership is followed by intentional practices. Faith
Journey (available on Amazon.com by placing “W. Douglas Hood, Jr.” in the search
engine) was written to be your partner in spiritual transformation. Naturally, there are other resources available
that guide the individual along a pathway of spiritual growth. One of the best is Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden, also available on Amazon. Regardless of the resource selected,
transformation of character into that of Christ will require the kind of
intentionality these resources provide. Yes,
each of these resources requires energy and effort. But I ask you not to think of it as “homework”
but, rather, as “faithwork.” Your life
will be changed.
Joy,
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