The Power of Change: Be Wary of Extremes

Wisdom Scripture

Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

Wisdom Quote

Character is shaped through study, reflection, and the lived practice of virtue. This embodied wisdom brings harmony with God, with others, and with creation—producing both internal peace and external fruit such as honor, integrity, dignity, and joy.

—Perdue, Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings

Insights: Be Wary of Extremes

Do you change your character through hard work, or does God change your character through the power of the Holy Spirit? This tension threads through Christian teaching and confuses many believers.

On one side, some pastors emphasize resting in the gospel of grace. They argue that just as we are justified by grace alone, we are also sanctified—made more like Jesus—by grace alone. From this perspective, the call is to trust God rather than strive. These teachers often hesitate to use the word discipline for prayer, Scripture reading, or other habits, fearing it suggests self-powered effort. They prefer calling them “means of grace,” highlighting God’s transforming work. In this framework, the distinction between behavior modification and heart transformation becomes central: you might stop throwing things when angry, but has the anger in your heart changed?

On the other side, you’ll find Christian teachers who urge you to take concrete action. They offer practical guidance for building a healthy marriage, cultivating a stronger prayer life, or overcoming destructive habits. Some draw from ancient spiritual formation traditions that emphasize practices like prayer, fasting, silence, and solitude. Others focus on everyday skills—listening better, communicating with kindness, or establishing consistent rhythms.

So which approach reflects God’s Word more faithfully? And which will genuinely help you build your character?

The first group sometimes critiques the second for overemphasizing human effort and underemphasizing faith. The second group often responds by overlooking the first entirely.

What do you think?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Next week, I’ll share my perspective.