Renovation of the Heart, Ch. 5

I wrote so much on this chapter, I don't even know how to capture it all. This lines up quite a bit with what I learned in seminary. I was taught that change occurs in people when they have challenge/vision before them, a structure for achieving the challenge or vision, and feel supported along the way (resourced, people to encourage, capacities). What Willard offers is a new dynamic focused on "intention." He rightly insists that, without a decision to move toward the vision, it will not be achieved. What is also foundational is that of selflessness - a desire for the good that is beyond self. As Jeremiah 29 points out, in seeing the good established, you will be seeking your own good. But, that is a natural reward, not the thing being sought. Good, and ultimately God, is that which is sought. So, it seems, we have a few things at play: 1. Selfless desire for the good (God Himself - His Kingdom) - Vision/Hope 2. Intention toward that Good; orienting your heart toward it - Intention/Faith 3. Means to achieving that end; knowledge of and taking steps toward the goal - Means/Love 4. Resources to accomplish those steps (grace, understanding, talent/ability, people to encourage and fill in the gaps where you cannot achieve) - all of which are given by God - community A few foundational thoughts are that we must believe the said thing is possible. Many assume, for reasons listed by Willard, that we cannot grow or achieve. I think another, as nodded by Willard, is that we must recognize the Holiness Gap (vzv. ISF and Dr. Coe) and recognize the "already, but not yet" of the Kingdom (our ultimate vision). Willard makes a statement that completely challenged me and freed me up to push into this at a greater level: "Any successful plan for spiritual formation, whether for the individual or group, will in fact be significantly similar to the Alcoholics Anonymous program." I am not beginning to work through the implications of this for my new position as Pastor of Discipleship. It seems this will be the thrust of the training that must take place with leaders. Willard also points to VIM as a latin word meaning virtue and an exchange of essence. What we are talking about in this chapter is how to develop in virtue. I have done some work in virtue ethics, and in light of what I am learning here, I am getting a systematic picture of how this all fits together and it is awakening things inside of me! One particular analogy that may be good for me to think through is that of my own personal weight-loss. Having lost over 100 lbs, I know what it takes to both achieve and the danger that I could any given day slip back. Prior to the loss, I used promises as a means to avoid real intention which I see in the lives of so many (not just in weight loss). In taking steps/means toward the good, we must discover the obstacles, consider the outcome of both achievers and failures (models), and truly value the good we are seeking (among other things). It becomes clear why Jesus taught the way that He did (pearl of great price).