Written by Rich Villodas, a contemporary pastor and writer. This is an excerpt from his book “The Narrow Path.”
Jesus is never about adjusting behavior alone. He cares about who we are becoming, not just what we do. He rejects a spirituality that doesn’t transform our hearts. To adjust our behavior—even in positive directions—without interior examination will enslave us. Said differently, we can do all the right things but never examine why or how we should do them. I know what it’s like to help others not out of deep concern but to avoid their displeasure. I’m familiar with speaking truth not because I’m compelled by God to do so but because I’m afraid of being rejected by people I respect. I’ve been an expert at saying yes to all kinds of invitations not because I fell led by God but because I’ll be seen in a positive light. The broad path is content with believing the “right” things and doing the “right” stuff, assuming that’s all Jesus wants. But a deeper look into our motivations is necessary for cultivating life with God…Slowing down—looking within—is difficult. Jesus, however, calls us to search our own hearts..He doesn’t let us live on the surface. He calls us deeper. Behavior modification without interior examination eventually leads to spiritual desolation.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. [Proverbs 21:2]
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