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Looking back over 20 years ago when I had started a “recovery” process from 20 years of alcohol and drug addiction I was taught that in order to change my “dysfunctional” (sinful) behaviors I needed to understand why I related in “dysfunctional” (sinful) ways towards others. I was encouraged to reflect on the environment I grew up in, discern how I responded to those surroundings, and understand that the sinful ways I learned to relate to others became sinful habits which I needed to change to righteous habits. (They had the conclusion right anyway)
I guess I have likely gained some sort of wisdom and change along the way by that process (in which I read many, many, Christian and secular self-help books-some good-some not so good), but since then I have come to learn that my behavior to any given situation is a direct result of what is in my heart and lasting behavioral change does not come to pass by focusing mostly on the why’s of my behavior or the behavior itself. It comes from allowing God control of my life and submitting my will to His will in all things. To be so influenced by the Spirit of God as to have the mind of Christ in my beliefs, values, attitudes, and motives so that my behavior and attitude brings glory to God.
The bible says; My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:20-27 [emphasis mine] What is in the heart effects what we think, say, and do; “it is the wellspring of life.” No wonder God mentions the heart so many times in the bible. The heart is KEY! He wants us to wake up to reality!
Time and space leave little to answer the “how” in changing the heart, so here are some verses to point us in the right direction, please take the time to look up these verses. If I would have had the space, I would have added them to the article.
(I John 1:5-2:17) walking in the light, (Colossians 3 and 4) guidelines for holy living, (Philippians 4:4-9) present your requests to God and he will guard your heart, (Matthew 22:37) love the Lord with all your heart, (Matthew 23:25-26) clean the inside then the outside will be clean also, (Acts 15:9) purified through faith, (Ephesians 3:16-17) Christ in your heart through faith, (John 8:31) know the truth.
To what end will a changed heart bring? Ephesians 1:18-23. To bring, give, and effect praise and glory to Him.
Change comes from vertical focus-not horizontal!
