Introduction
A new creation! I’m Malcolm Cox. Welcome to this series on ‘A new creation’. Today, another model that may help us understand how God changes us. This week we take a look at a model of spiritual growth put forward by James Bryan Smith. By the way, I heartily recommend his book, The Good and Beautiful God. You can also find helpful articles written by him on the Renovare site.
Smith’s model is a variation on the model developed by Dallas Willard and Trevor Hudson in previous Quiet Time Coaching episodes.
We will focus on the key difference – ‘Adopting the narratives of Jesus’. His key idea is that we have a narrative in our minds about how we are doing spiritually, who God is, how he views us, what he wants from us and how we grow. However, our narratives are not always accurate. Thus, it is critically important we allow the narratives of Jesus to shape our own.
“Our family, cultural and even religious narratives might have their roots in the kingdom of this world. As Christ-followers we are called to “set [our] minds on things that are above” (Colossians 3:2). Most of all, we are called to have the very mind of Jesus: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Adopting Jesus’ narratives is a way we come to have the mind of Christ. Once we get the right narratives in place, change will begin.” The Good and Beautiful God” p26
This practice is not just about knowing the stories of Jesus but letting them reshape our very being. What does this mean? Let’s break it down.
- Look at Father God through the eyes of Jesus
Read passages where Jesus speaks to God — for example, John 11:41-42, Matthew 11:25-26, John 17:4-5 — and meditate on what they reveal about the way he is seeing God at those moments. What narrative about God and himself is going on in the mind and heart of Jesus?
Imagine you’ve always seen God as distant and unapproachable. But through the eyes of Jesus, you encounter a God who is loving, forgiving, and present. This new narrative can fundamentally change how you relate to God and yourself.
- Imitate Jesus
Next, let’s explore imitation of Christ. Think of it as a spiritual apprenticeship. As you study Jesus’ actions and attitudes, you start to reflect those in your daily life. This isn’t about perfect mimicry but a heartfelt transformation where Jesus’ way becomes your way.
John 13.15
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
When faced with a difficult situation, ask yourself: “How would Jesus respond?” This kind of active engagement with Jesus’ teachings leads to real-world spiritual growth.
- Community
Engaging with Jesus’ narratives is often best done in community. In a group setting, we can learn from each other, offer support, and grow together. This mirrors how Jesus taught His disciples, fostering an environment of shared learning and encouragement.
Mark 8.27
“Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?””
We all see Jesus a little differently due to our varied life experiences and personalities.
Conclusion
When Jesus’ attitudes, thinking and teachings become the lens through which we view our lives, every part of us is transformed.
For Reflection
When you meditate on the Scriptures showing us how Jesus viewed Father God, what changes in your view of God?
How can you prevent imitating Jesus from becoming mechanical? What part does prayer have in this growth process?
What do you see as the key ways community can aid your spiritual growth?
Next time we will go on to look at celebrating disciplines.
Your brother, Malcolm
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Could you send me your questions or suggestions? Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
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“Carpe Diem” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
