You Can Change #23 (Chapter 3)

Tim Chester, in You Can Change:

It seems our first instinct when we want to change is to do something. We think activity will change us. We want a list of do's and don'ts. In Jesus' day, people thought they could be pure through ceremonial washing. Today it can be spiritual disciplines or sets of laws. I've tried these approaches. I've written out little rituals to perform every morning. I've tried to regulate my behavior with lists. Many of these things are good in themselves, and we'll discover the role they can play in helping us grow in holiness. But our rituals and disciplines can't change us. (42)

He comes down pretty hard on things like spiritual disciplines. Does this mean that he's against things like daily Bible reading and prayer? Are those practices really good for nothing?

Read this first section called "Trying to Change Ourselves" very carefully. Reread the paragraph I've quoted above. What Chester is arguing against is the notion that it is our efforts that brings about real change in our lives. This is not the grace of God, and because it is not of God, it is not effective.

But note that he does say that disciplines have a role. As he says, we'll be getting to that a bit later, but I think he is right to work very hard to clear the underbrush of our instinctive self-justification through works-righteousness.

Here's a quotation from Dallas Willard that captures this well:

Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with forgiveness of sins alone.

Have you tried to change through your own efforts?

What did you do? How well did it work?