I am reading Dallas Willard’s book Renovation of the Heart. It is challenging me.
As usual, Prof. Willard is philosopher and theologian, counselor and therapist mixed with insightful older-brother, all rolled into one.
He has convinced me that I have a LONG way to go (not that I needed much convincing). Not the most important, but among other things he has convinced me that the memorization of large swaths of scripture is important. Not just remembering the general content, and knowing where to find the details, but actually being able to recite it. I think I had always seen that as a kid’s Sunday School sort of thing, a sort of summer vacation Bible school exercise.
So I think I’m going to work some consistent effort at that into my life. As I said, this is far from the most important thing in the book… you really have to read it to get the flavor and depth of it.
As a teaser: if you are a person who finds that your feelings don’t always, or mostly, line up with your thoughts, or what you wish your feelings were, this book is for you. If you are a person who finds it difficult to wholeheartedly and joyfully live the commitment you have made to Christ, this book is for you.
Prof. Willard does not chide. He gently leads, and his words penetrate to the heart of the matter.
Highly recommended.
October 6th, 2010 2:16 pm
Thanks Shack! My room mate is also going through this book right now. I think it’s finally time to subject myself an attack on m heart’s default mode.