A personal knowledge of God will change character, transforming the life following the new birth. It is gradual, not sudden, in its change, as the Spirit of God introduces new motives and objects into the life for God’s glory (2 Cor. 3:18). “Christianity in its revelation of a personal God and Saviour, of a future life, and of moral responsibility, and its view that the glory of God rather than the mere pleasure of man is the highest object of life, is the most powerful force in the formation of character” (A. T. Schofield in Springs of Character).
Therefore, we turn from modern philosophy and ethics, preferring “the depths of God” to man’s shallow pride, for we must “dwell deep” (Jer. 49:8).
The Mind Is Changed
“The mind casts a shadow just like the body.” As we pass through this world, unknown to ourselves, our mind, our personality, without effort, is casting shadows for good or evil on those we meet. To know God is to be a blessing, for then we can be the unconscious channel through which God passes into the hearts of others as we live in personal enjoyment of Him.
The sphere of the mind has been called “the hidden home of character”–therefore we hear the Spirit plead for “the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). It implies “a renewal, renovation, complete change for the better” (Thayer’s). “Being renewed in the spirit of your mind; and having put on the new man” (Eph. 4:23-24). What a change! The wisdom and knowledge of God is revealed to one who is “spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:6-16). “We have the mind of Christ.” Read Romans 11:33-36. Let us then fulfill Romans 12:1-2.
The Desires Are Changed
“Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,” writes Paul. The renewing of the mind will produce, without effort on our part, unconsciously, a change of desires. The word “transformed” indicates “a change of moral character for the better, a process of changing” (Thayer’s). How greatly to be desired! How the habits of life (which we earnestly would have altered!) can be changed for us by the Spirit.
It is harmful for us to attempt changing habits without changing desires; no progress is made and nothing is gained. On every hand Christians ask, “Is this right? Is this wrong?” It is unspiritual to do so, for to give up anything without changing desires is but to be a hypocrite. The change of desires is made by the transforming work of the Spirit and involves no giving up. Draw near to God; learn to know Him; the result is–the desires are changed. There is no loss; nothing but gain! Read Psalm 73:25-26: Psalm 37:4. The old desires (Ephesians 2:3) disappear! The new desires conform to the will of God.
The Manners Are Changed
It is an evidence of God’s power when our manners are changed, for they will be compatible to God’s character and reveal us to be a friend of God! Abraham “was called the friend of God”–see 2 Chronicles 20: 7; James 2:23. What behavior and deportment must have been reflected in Abraham through this intimate friendship with God!
Enoch walked with God three hundred years! (Gen. 5:21-24; Heb. 11:5). He had no Bible as we do; no Christianity as we know it; no revealed Father as we have. Yet what a life! God became his nearest and dearest Friend as he walked with Him all those years! What must have been the character of his deportment? What were the results of such a walk? An unassuming and humble dignity in his earthly life. Truth and sincerity in perfect wisdom must have been reflected in perfect love. An inward peace and calm always seen in his manners, though surrounded by antediluvian sin and wickedness; and knowing of the coming judgment of God by the flood. How we should seek to possess this unconscious stamp of God in our manners these perilous times! (see Isa. 26:3).
The Pursuits of Life Are Changed
This follows the change of desires, for the pursuits of life will be definitely affected by our increasing knowledge of God. The inward change of desires must precede the outward change in pursuits. If not, the outward change will be artificial and also contrary to the principles of Christianity. Christianity is the life of Christ working from within and outward in its direction (Gal. 2:20). It is the life of Christ communicated to the believer, dwelling in the believer, and to flow through the believer.
When God works within (Phil. 2:12-13), there will be the necessary change of pursuits, for He Himself will fill the vision. We can be just as keen in our pursuits but after different objects. Instead of man, God will be in the foreground of life. Man will shrink to his proper perspective, and the pursuit of God will change the pursuits of life! Let the wilderness psalm of David be the cry of our hearts (Ps. 63, esp. vv. 1, 5, 8).
The Heart Is Content
The world seeks for contentment–but apart from God. It drinks from sources that can only fail (see Jer. 2:13; 17:13; Jn. 4:13). How different are the words of Paul: “I have learnt in those circumstances in which I am, to be satisfied in myself” (Phil. 4:11, J.N.D. Trans.). Christ was his source of satisfaction. Contentment, satisfaction, harmony, holiness, and wholeness of spirit are in Him (Jn. 4:14; 1 Tim. 6:6). The sight of God changes all–and how needful is this! “Now mine eye seeth Thee,” said Job. “Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5-6). “My heart is fixed” (Ps. 57:7; 108:1; 112:7).
The Man Is Conquered
There always seems to be a war in our members (Rom. 7; Gal. 5:17), but if we lived in the reality of God’s presence, there would not be that constant conflict. The reason our evil natures and fleshly desires make such a strong fight within, is simply because we do not know God as we ought.
When God is the Victor there is no battle; there is no strife. The power and value of heart knowledge of God will show that His love conquers; love that is not constrained, nor forced, but spontaneous. There can be no fight where God is known!
The Thoughts Are Changed
The personal knowledge of God will affect each thought I think and each word I speak. He is to be the central truth of my life, the pivot around which my existence revolves. When I know Him as I should, He is all-wise; He is all-love; He is my Father and I am His child! I will not seek to explain, defend, or still less, question His dealings with me! My thoughts of God in my inmost soul will be with deepest reverence and love! My thoughts will be guarded by Him! How greatly we need this!
“The Lord is near. Be careful about nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which surpasses every understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:5-7, J.N.D. Trans.). Beloved, let us permit God Himself to form our character and personality!