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Dallas Willard writes of the contrast between the popular Christian view of conversion and self transformation: it is necessary to say that conversion, as understood in Christian circles, is not the same thing as the required transformation of the self. (The Spirit of the Disciplines)
A challenge we face in personal and church transformation is that the practices we have relied on for transformation have not proven effective for transforming Christians into mature Christlikeness. Again, Willard states the case well:
But what are we to do? How are the deeper reaches of the self to be discerned and dealt with? Depending on our religious background, we may think of regular church attendance and faithfulness to commonly recognized religious duties, of individual or social “experiences,” of decisions or commitments of various kinds, as means of radical transformation of the self. Good effects often come from these. They are to be used and not despised. But their track record as means of actual transformation of individuals into Christlikeness is not impressive.
Oswald T. Chambers, understanding the challenge of transformation of the self, writes, “To refuse to be continuously converted puts a stumbling block in the growth of our spiritual life.” He continues, “There are whole areas of our lives that have not yet been brought into submission, and this can only be done by this continuous conversion. Slowly but surely we can claim the whole territory for the Spirit of God.” (My Utmost for His Highest, Updated Edition in Today’s Language, Ed. James Reimann).
The goal of the Christian life is to see accomplished with us what Willard identifies as the purpose of engaging classical spiritual disciplines; that is, to bring our whole being into effective cooperation with the divine order. Notice three matters essential to continuous conversion. First, surrender through engaging spiritual disciplines. The disciplines are the means; the will chooses to engage means toward a specific and identifiable end. Second, continuous conversion applies to the whole being, not simply an interior life. This conversion will transform us in the body, the mind, our emotions, or affections, and the spirit, or point of most immediate contact with Spirit. Last, continuous conversion results in cooperation with the divine order, or what has historically been called the Kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of Heaven.
We have a choice. We can continue to seek to realize more fully the Divine Order through the generally accepted means of church members. We can reclaim practices proven, over time, truly to transform persons and align them wholly with the Spirit, including increasing beyond other means a likeness to Christ, which is the disposition of the Fruit of the Spirit.
A life of continuous conversion was referred to by Christian writers of old as conversatio morum. A Benedictine Sister contrasts conversio morum with conversatio morum, observing, "Conversio means you have a conversion, and then you change your life. That works for about ten minutes, but you need an ongoing conversion." (Sr. Sister Mary Margaret, at www.urbandharma.org). “Positively,” writes Richard J. Foster, “it means constant change, constant conversion, constant openness to the movings of the Spirit.” (Prayer) Let us seek to renew the reputation of Christianity and keep lively our lives through this constancy of the Way.
Spiritual Exercise
1. What is meant by “continuous conversion”?
2. Contrast good effects of religion with actual transformation?
3. What are three matters essential to continuous conversion?
4. What aspects of the whole self does conversion transform into the likeness of Christ? Which aspect do you feel is most like Christ in your life? Most in need of more conversion?
5. What practices do you engage toward Christlikeness?
6. Stand up, lift your hands, open your palms upward, smile skyward; let this posture be your prayer of openness to Love. Do not say anything. Only receive.
Prayer of Surrender
I give all I am, to all you are, that you may make me as you are. Amen.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The People of the
United Methodist Church
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