Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ

Willard, Dallas, 2002. Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.Dallas Willard (1935-2013) was a professor and former Director of the School of Philosophy at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles where he taught since 1965. Willard lived out his personal philosophy within his teaching, writing and in his strategy for his life: "I know what good work is. I'm going to do it, and I expect God to help me. I will give my life to it. Of course, I will be a prisoner of Christ; that's what I am."[i] This philosophy is very much evidenced in his writing and in his commitment to allowing the Spirit to reign and provide direction in his life. Although not setting out to teach in a secular university, he was led to do so subsequent to his graduate work. Willard stated that he never self-promoted himself - not seeking a position or a raise - but considers himself a "literalist in terms of the Bible,"[ii] as it relates to advancement coming from God.The thesis of this book is that in the process of realizing the character of Christ, one may "remove or master" each impediment to gaining that character (:10-11); and that process should be orderly - not haphazard or mysterious - to those wanting to overcome human (sinful) nature.Willard presents five chapters of introductory, foundation-building elements which examines mankind's frailty in the human existence, and provides support for the development of spiritual formation; including why people often fall short of the ideal of Christ-like character.An "Interlude" chapter reflects on the reality of seeking this transformation. It is Willard's perspective that our own effort falls short; we are in need of God's grace. He states that those who are "the greatest saints are not those who need less grace, but those who consume the most grace;" God's grace sustains them (:93-94).Willard then lays out through six chapters a process of transformation of: (1) Mind/ Thought; (2) Mind/Feeling; (3) Will; (4) Body; (5) Social Dimension; and (6) Soul. These areas of one's self are outlined earlier in chapter two as distinct areas in which we must allow the Spirit to work through for our transformation (:38).In the two concluding chapters Willard examines how this process of transformation interfaces with the world and within the local church. In the world, a contrast of light and darkness presents a picture of the outcome of personal sanctification, and its effect upon us and the world we are in (:224). Willard then presents God's plan for spiritual formation within the congregation of the people of God with a focus on being rather than doing.This book makes me recall Richard J. Foster's Celebration of Discipline. While I read Foster's book in 1978 during a period of discipleship, I find Willard's book is timely to this era of my life. Through this book I am able to more fully recognize my shortcomings and how I may have diverted from disciplines in my life, which were a critical and primary element of my new life in Christ. I am not surprised that Foster provides an endorsement for this book.[iii]Willard puts flesh on the teaching of sanctification in a way I need to reconsider within my life and leadership ministry, and grasp that the transforming work of the Spirit ". . . brings every element in (my) being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God . . ."[iv] C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce also comes to mind, as the landscape on the way to the Kingdom feels unbearably unreachable until one repents through an act of the will.Notes:[i] Dallas Willard, "My Journey To and Beyond Tenure in a Secular University" (Remarks given at the Faculty Forum Luncheon of the C.S. Lewis Foundation Summer Conference, University of San Diego, 21 June 2003), available at http://www.dwillard.org/biography/tenure.asp, Internet.[ii] Ibid.[iii] Richard Foster states, "No one has thought more carefully than Dallas Willard about the human personality and how it can be transformed into Christlikeness." This endorsement is found on the back cover of the hardcover version of Renovation of the Heart.[iv] A summary which quotes the author is found on the back cover of the hardcover version of Renovation of the Heart.

RENOVATION OF THE HEART: A READER ANALYSIS OVERVIEW Dr Willard, through his book Renovation of the Heart, continues to build upon the principles of spiritual transformation that were presented in his previous book, Divine Conspiracy. Willard conclusively demonstrates the need, opportunity, and availability for spiritual transformation within the Christian community. He establishes the ideal of spiritual life as a life where "all of the essential parts of the human self are effectively organized around God, as they are restored and sustained by Him." This goal, however, can never be achieved without a radical transformation of each dimension of the human self, which is the primary focus of the text. OBJECTIVE OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION Willard begins by setting the parameters of "spirituality" and spiritual formation. Willard presents spiritual formation as "the process leading to an ideal end, and its result is love of God with all the heart, mind, and strength, and of the neighbor as oneself." Yet,he warns that spiritual formation "is not a project of `life enhancement.' It is the process of developing a different kind of life, sustained by God as a new reality." Full formation is only accomplished when the human self is completely integrated under God. This topic is underscored with an emphasis on the necessity and value for proper spiritual transformation for each believer. Throughout his discussion, Willard makes it clear that spiritual transformation is not just a mystical illusion; it is readily attainable for all who seek it. OBSTACLES TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION After establishing the biblical precepts of spiritual transformation, Willard once again insightfully isolates and analyzes the core "hindrances" and "entanglements" that prevent most Christians from experiencing spiritual transformation. He begins his work by making a definitive examination of the function of the human will (includes heart and spirit), body, soul, and mind in relation to the total person. Additionally, he correlates the interaction and influence that each has on the other. He completes his observations by emphasizing the proper roles that God intended for the will, body, soul, and mind that will result in a proper relationship with Him and a Christian life characterized by joy and peace. This study in turn is carried forward to show the proper connection that spiritually-healthy believers should have within the local church congregation. ORDER OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION Willard provides an orderly pattern for spiritual formation, which can be utilized by believers at every level of maturity. He uses the short acrostic VIM to provide the foundation for his plan. The "V" represents the vision in the life of the Kingdom. Willard writes, "the vision that underlies spiritual (trans)formation into Christlikeness is, then, the vision of life now and forever in the range of God's effective will." The "I" signifies the intention to be a Kingdom person. This intention is only brought to completion by a "decision to fulfill or carry through with the intention." Finally, the "M" denotes the means for transformation. This includes using the guidance and wisdom of the previous generations of Christian saints that chronicled their own spiritual journey. CONCLUSION Once again Willard has taken the reader to new spiritual heights. Naturally, only a small vein of the goldmine of insights found in this book has been properly mined. Yet even with only a limited understanding of Willard's text, this book has revealed the biblical precepts and ideals of spiritual formation in a new light. There is not doubt that this book, if it receives the proper exposure within the Christian community, will serve as a valuable tool for a multitude of other Christians in their own spiritual journeys!

This is not an easy read as the content is deeply spiritual and needs to be thought about and processed. But it is exceptionally good and very thought provoking. I think this sort of book needs to be read slowly & prayerfully anyway so it is not a problem to take time over it. The only “fault” I could find with the book was that I was disappointed to see when it arrived that it had been extensively rewritten for a British readership and as such is not really Dallas Willard’s writing at all.

Okay, did have some handwriting in the margins on the first few pages. One very funny comment so I have not erased it. Otherwise good order.

Absolutely excellent book! Easy to read, but not a book to read quickly - needs to be thought about as you go along. Is one I know I will keep returning to.

again another classic by Dallas Willard. A book to be treasured, better still to be lived out in our lives.

Excellent book. Arrived in record quick time.