Transforming our Social Dimension

“Spiritual formation, good or bad, is always profoundly social. You cannot keep it to yourself. Anyone who thinks of it as a merely private matter has misunderstood it. Anyone who says, ‘It’s just between me and God,’ or ‘What I do is my own business,’ has misunderstood God as well as ‘me.’ Strictly speaking there is nothing ‘just between me and God.’ For all that is between me and God affects who I am; and that, in turn, modifies my relationship to everyone around me. My relationship to others also modifies me and deeply affects my relationship to God. Hence those relationships must be transformed if I am to be transformed.” - Dallas Willard, excerpted from Renovation of the Heart

According to Jesus’ friend John, the natural response to Christ’s sacrifice for us is a willingness to sacrifice for others. In John’s writings, and throughout the scriptures, we see the radical implications of salvation, not just for individuals but for communities. 

Spiritual formation always has an impact on our surroundings. Who we become impacts us as well as those around us. Those whose formation is not rooted in Christ tend to respond to others either with assault (acting against what is good for them, even with their consent) or withdrawal (regarding their well-being and goodness as matters of indifference, perhaps going so far as to despise them). 

We who seek to develop Christ’s character must be on guard against tendencies toward assault and withdrawal within relationships. It is only through Christ’s divine love in action that we learn to eliminate these tendencies. For, as Dallas Willard reminds us, “Love comes to us from God. That must be our unshakable circle of sufficiency. Our purpose must then be to become one who loves others with Christ’s agape. That purpose, when developed, will transform the social dimension of the human self and all of our relationships to others.” 

Reflection

Where do you tend toward assault or withdrawal in your relationships? What is a practical first step toward change?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to focus on your example of love and allow it to transform me. Replace my tendencies toward assault and withdrawal with goodwill and respect toward those around me.