Jesus, I Surrender AllSample

A Framework for Spiritual Transformation

Dallas Willard offers us a framework for how spiritual transformation happens. He says, "If we are to be spiritually formed in Christ, we must have and must implement the appropriate vision, intention, and means. Not just any path we take will do. If this VIM pattern is not put into place properly and held there, Christ simply will not be formed in us."

Vision is like seeing a picture in your mind of the renovated version of your new home. It sees an "after" picture side-by-side with the current "before" picture in its ruined state. "In the imagery of Christian transformation, vision refers to the ability to see ourselves radically transformed and authentically living life a whole new way in God's Kingdom on earth - head-over-heels in love with both Creator and his creation (Gary W. Moon)." Vision is being able to read the words of Jesus when he said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," (Matthew 5:44) and actually believing that He is capable of transforming you and me into the kind of people who are capable of loving our enemies.

Intention- is like signing on the dotted line and giving your contractor permission to move forward with your vision for renovating your newly purchased home. Intention is the act of saying to Jesus: I will obey your teaching (see 1 John 5:3), I will submit to your will (see Romans 12:2), and I will sit still long enough in your Presence for you to do what only you can do in my life. Intention requires action on our part. However, it is "not a matter of trying harder, but training wisely (John Ortberg)."

Means- is the materials and tools necessary to renovate your new home. It is the process of demoing a room down to its studs in order to rebuild it from the ground up. Means is the path to change. With the right vision and an intention to obey Jesus's teaching, we will naturally be led to a means for replacing our ruined inner character exchanging it for the renovated inner character of Jesus.

As you go, please know that spiritual formation in the image of Christ is possible. Throughout each season of life, continue to walk with Jesus in a posture of surrender, watching as He transforms each room in your house.

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