35. Realism About Character Transformation (2010)

May 12, 2025

Dallas Willard, a Christian philosopher renowned for his insights on spiritual formation, delves into the complexities of character transformation. He discusses the VIM structure—Vision, Intention, and Means—as essential to spiritual growth. Willard emphasizes the critical role of self-awareness, intentional actions, and grace in this journey, highlighting the significance of community and vulnerability. He advocates for a transformative approach rooted in God's love and commandments, promoting a holistic integration of faith with everyday life.

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ANECDOTE

Christians Nursing During Plagues

Early Christians stayed and cared for the sick during plagues while others fled.
This demonstrated profound Christian love and aided the church's growth.

INSIGHT

Early Childhood Shapes Character

Character is shaped by early childhood decisions made out of fear.
Many adults still handle life using childish coping strategies formed in those years.

INSIGHT

Spirit as Executive Center

The spirit or will is the executive center initiating actions.
When dead, it turns inward, causing self-centeredness and brokenness.

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A Devout and Holy Life

William Law

Cost of Discipleship

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

In 'The Cost of Discipleship,' Dietrich Bonhoeffer challenges readers to question their understanding of true discipleship. He distinguishes between 'cheap grace,' which is forgiveness without repentance or commitment, and 'costly grace,' which demands obedience, sacrifice, and a genuine transformation of the believer's life. The book delves into the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the Beatitudes and the righteousness that Christ demands from his followers. Bonhoeffer also highlights the importance of community, forgiveness, and love in the context of Christian discipleship. He argues that true discipleship involves following Christ even in the face of opposition and persecution, and that it requires a radical inward transformation and a commitment to deny self and follow Jesus[1][3][5].

The Spirit of the Disciplines

Understanding How God Changes Lives

Dallas Willard

In 'The Spirit of the Disciplines', Dallas Willard argues that spiritual disciplines are essential for transforming Christians into the character of Christ. He contends that these disciplines, such as solitude, silence, fasting, and prayer, are concrete activities that make us more receptive to God's Kingdom. The book explores the theological foundation of these disciplines, their historical context, and their practical application in everyday life. Willard emphasizes that salvation is a process of transformation worked out through our physical bodies and that these disciplines are crucial for living a life that reflects Christ's teachings[1][2][4].

Renovation of the Heart

Putting on the Character of Christ

Dallas Willard

In *Renovation of the Heart*, Dallas Willard argues that spiritual transformation occurs when all essential dimensions of the human being—spirit, mind, body, social context, and soul—are transformed to Christlikeness under the direction of a regenerate will and the constant overtures of God's grace. The book emphasizes that this transformation is not achieved through mere human effort but through apprenticeship to Jesus Christ. Willard discusses the importance of understanding human nature, its components, and how they are renewed, and he provides a systematic process for personal transformation rooted in biblical and theological principles[1][3][5].

Realism about Character Transformation

– ‘Spiritual Formation’ and the ‘VIM’ Structure: Vision/Intention/Means.
Session 3 of this 4-part series is a high-level overview of how Christian character
formation works. Much of this material can be found in Dallas’s book, Renovation of the
Heart. This includes a study of how the human person is put together and a review of
the VIM strategy for growth.
Download the diagrams and definitions used in this session here:
https://dwillard.s3.amazonaws.com/Kern-Character-Conference-3.pdf
For Further Study:
1. Renovation of the Heart, by Dallas Willard.
2. “How Do We Assess Spiritual Growth?” – Willard, Leadership magazine, 2010.
3. “Measuring Matters of the Heart: Spiritual Formation in the Age of Accountability" –
Willard, International Forum on Christian Higher Education, 2006.

Visit https://DWillard.org for a wide variety of resources and opportunities that can serve as a means to help you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Dallas Willard Ministries exists to proclaim, teach and manifest the love, truth and transforming power of Christ and the Kingdom of God. We invite you to partner with us by praying for our ministry team, praying for the students in the School of Kingdom Living, sharing your talents as a volunteer, or contributing financial gifts. Visit https://dwillard.org/donate if you’d like to help us increase the availability of Dallas’s teaching to help people become more like Jesus.

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The contents of this recording are © Willard Family Trust. Used by permission. For permission to reproduce any of this content, please contact Dallas Willard Publicatio...