Inside Out – A Christian perspective on change

Book details: 9000 words. A4 size pages = 44 (font size =14 P). Includes many images richly illustrating the tabernacle, ark of the covenant, and more.

INTRODUCTION

The clock on the cover page can be used to illustrate how the intricate gears of an old Swiss-German clock or watch work together to provide movement to the arms. Can our hearts and minds be compared to this clockwork? The analogy of the clockwork can be used to explain our actions and behaviour; the strong ‘winding mechanism of the heart’ and the ‘intricate gears of the mind’ work seamlessly together to make us tick. Did you know that the heart has a memory? Did you know that research suggests that the heart and the mind (brain) communicate? Is it possible that the heart and the mind are working in sync to produce our make up as human beings? Does the heart contain the ‘main gears’ or ‘winding mechanism’ that makes us who we are?

This simple phrase, inside out, encapsulates probably one of the most significant methods or laws of ‘change’ from a Christian perspective. When people change their attitudes and their thinking, it consequently has an impact on their actions, and in the long run, it changes their behaviour. The great benefit is that it brings change to the inner core of the person and influences character. One’s character is that stable entity which develops over the years and stays not stable but changes over time – or does it stay stable? We talk about ‘building character’, which includes working on one’s character. I think we choose to develop our character or we choose not to. It takes hard work to develop good character. Hence the person who takes on this challenge will have to work very hard at it. It is a constant choice one makes, and the heart governs it. For example, a person that displays courage has to develop this character trait. It starts with making a heart’s decision, or it could be already in the heart. When we see someone who has made some significant changes in his or her life we make comments like ‘you have made some real changes to your life’. Let us acknowledge the fact that we all want to change in one area or another in our lives. We also marvel when we observe the change in a person’s life, especially when his or her behaviour and character changes for the better.

In this book, radical change and change of character and thinking will be discussed. The possibility of change will be discussed from a Christian perspective with very useful insights. The author will discuss some controversial scientific issues (beliefs), and personal issues like creation versus evolution for example, toward the end. He will indicate how these beliefs have shaped his thinking and beliefs over time. This book includes some tools for change, and these could bring about change as suggested by the author. However, the biggest change starts with a change of heart which could only be achieved through surrendering one’s life to Christ. Nothing ever can be as significant and powerful as being ‘born again’. Jesus said to Nicodemus: “To enter into the Kingdom of God you have to be born again”.

Read the article online (free): https://williamvanzyl.atavist.com/inside-out