Renovation of the Heart

1. Spiritual Formation: The Journey to Christlikeness

Spiritual formation 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.

A holistic transformation. Spiritual formation is not just about behavioral change or acquiring religious knowledge. It's a comprehensive process that transforms every aspect of a person's being – thoughts, feelings, will, body, social relationships, and soul – to align with the character of Christ.

Grace and effort combined. This journey requires both divine grace and human effort. While God's grace is the primary agent of change, individuals must actively participate in their own transformation through spiritual disciplines, study, and practice. The goal is not perfection, but continual growth towards Christlikeness, manifesting in love for God and others.

2. The Six Dimensions of Human Nature

We live from our heart.

Multifaceted beings. Willard identifies six essential dimensions of human nature:

• Thought: Our cognitive processes, beliefs, and worldview
• Feeling: Emotions, sensations, and desires
• Will (Heart/Spirit): The executive center of decision-making
• Body: Our physical presence and actions in the world
• Social context: Our relationships and interactions with others
• Soul: The integrating factor that brings all dimensions together

Holistic approach. Understanding these dimensions is crucial for effective spiritual formation. Each aspect must be addressed and transformed for holistic growth in Christlikeness.

3. Overcoming Radical Evil in the Soul

We must see the soul and the person in its ruined condition, with its malformed and dysfunctional mind, feelings, body, and social relations, before we can understand that it must be delivered and reformed and how that can be done.

Acknowledging our condition. Willard argues that we must first recognize the depth of our spiritual brokenness before we can experience true transformation. This involves confronting our tendencies toward self-centeredness, pride, and rebellion against God.

The path to restoration. Overcoming this "radical evil" requires:

• Honest self-examination
• Repentance and surrender to God
• Embracing God's grace and forgiveness
• Actively participating in the process of inner transformation

4. Transforming the Mind: Thoughts and Feelings

To bring the mind to dwell intelligently upon God as he is presented in his Word will have the effect of causing us to love God passionately, and this love will in turn bring us to think of God steadily.

Renewing the mind. Transformation begins with changing our thought patterns and emotional responses. This involves:

• Intentionally focusing our thoughts on God and His truth
• Replacing negative or destructive thought patterns with biblical perspectives
• Cultivating positive emotions like love, joy, and peace
• Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness

The power of meditation. Regular meditation on Scripture and God's character is essential for renewing the mind and aligning our emotions with God's will.

5. The Will: Aligning with God's Purpose

The will or spirit is the executive center of the human self. The heart is where decisions and choices are made for the whole person.

Surrendering control. Spiritual formation involves aligning our will with God's will. This means:

• Recognizing our tendency toward self-will and independence from God
• Consciously choosing to submit our decisions to God's guidance
• Developing the habit of seeking God's wisdom in all areas of life

Character development. As we consistently align our will with God's, our character is gradually transformed, making Christlike behavior more natural and instinctive.

6. The Body: A Temple for Spiritual Growth

The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

Physical stewardship. Our bodies are not separate from our spiritual lives but integral to them. Spiritual formation involves:

• Treating our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit
• Using our physical abilities to serve God and others
• Practicing disciplines that engage the body (fasting, service, etc.)
• Overcoming harmful bodily habits and addictions

Embodied spirituality. Recognizing the body's role in spiritual life helps us develop a more holistic and grounded faith.

7. Social Transformation: Love in Action

Love between Christians then would, as Paul says to the Romans, "be genuine."

Relational growth. Spiritual formation is not a solitary journey but occurs within a community. It involves:

• Developing genuine, Christ-like love for others
• Learning to forgive and seek reconciliation
• Serving others selflessly
• Building authentic, supportive relationships within the church

Witness to the world. As we grow in love and unity, our transformed relationships become a powerful testimony to Christ's transforming power.

8. The Soul: Integrating All Aspects of Self

The soul is that dimension of the person that interrelates all of the other dimensions so that they form one life.

Wholeness and integration. The soul acts as the integrating center of our being, bringing coherence to all other dimensions. Spiritual formation involves:

• Nurturing soul health through practices like solitude and silence
• Seeking inner coherence and alignment with God's purposes
• Developing a sense of identity rooted in God's love and calling

Soul care. Paying attention to the state of our soul is crucial for overall spiritual health and growth.

9. Becoming Children of Light

You were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light.

Transformed identity. As we progress in spiritual formation, we increasingly reflect Christ's character:

• Radiating God's love and truth to those around us
• Exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives
• Becoming agents of positive change in our spheres of influence

Continuous growth. While we may never achieve perfection in this life, we can experience significant transformation and become more effective witnesses for Christ.

10. The Church's Role in Spiritual Formation

Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her; that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church radiant, having no stain or wrinkle or any other blemish; but that she should be holy and blameless.

Community of transformation. The local church plays a crucial role in spiritual formation:

• Providing teaching and discipleship
• Offering opportunities for service and growth
• Creating a supportive community for mutual encouragement
• Modeling Christlike character and relationships

Intentional discipleship. Churches must prioritize spiritual formation, moving beyond programs to fostering genuine apprenticeship to Jesus among all members.

Last updated: January 23, 2025