In the penultimate session of our course this week we heard the encouraging truth that, notwithstanding our bad experiences with New Years Resolutions :), it is absolutely possible for God to renew and change us. We need not be stuck - we can be changed!
We looked at three models of how God changes us. The image above shows James Bryan Smith's "Golden Triangle" which lays out what he thinks are the key things that need to be present for God to be able to change us. Smith's model recognises that this is God's work - it is the Spirit who transforms us - but we also have a part to play by being intentional in doing deliberate soul training (practising the spiritual disciplines) in a sustained, ongoing way. The disciplines (practices like prayer, meditation, service, fasting) are not an end in themselves, but, as Richard Foster puts it, "allow us to place ourselves before God so that he can transform us."
Also, change happens best in community. Just like an exercise plan works best with a gym buddy, so being in a small group is the tried and tested way of ensuring that we don't attempt this alone. When others in our group are experimenting and exploring with their soul training, we are drawn in, inspired, encouraged and held accountable. Maybe the best spiritual discipline you can practice this week is the courageous phone call necessary to invite yourself to one of our groups!
And if all of this sounds a bit confusing to you, please go back and watch the course videos ('From the Inside Out' in the learning menu in our app).