Inside Out or Outside In?

You've probably heard the Christian truism: "Real, positive change in a person happens from the inside out." This means that if someone exhibits negative external behavior, then the true problem lies beneath the surface, within their dark soul. So, as their soul is transformed by the Holy Spirit, their visible behavior will

Branches bear good fruit when attached to the main Vine

eventually change for the better. I would say this is true...in part.

But another Christian truism says, "Lead with the body to open your heart to the Spirit." This is also true, but may seem contradictory to the first saying. "Leading with the body" implies that we begin with works in order to produce change in the heart.

In his Spiritual Formation lecture series, Dr. John Coe mentions an interesting difference between Baby Boomers and their parents, who were children of the Great Depression. The parents stressed external change, leading with the body and facing negative behaviors head on. The Boomers, however, focused on the heart (or soul), looking deep within themselves for meaning and answers to life's problems. One was external, the other internal. Both are true, I think. But both can go too far and get out of balance. One can lead with the body without giving proper attention to the heart. The other can focus so much on the heart that common-sense actions are neglected.

Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5 ESV). For a long time, this verse both comforted and disturbed me. Initially, I interpreted it two ways. First, that "abiding in Christ" was some sort of mystical union where I would get connected to God in a feel-good spiritual way, similar to what some think of as walking in the Spirit.

A second interpretation was that abiding meant rigorous love for God and others, as in dogged obedience and works. If I loved and obeyed really, really hard, then I'd bear much fruit. A problem occurred (rather frequently) during those times when I felt unspiritual, disconnected or disobedient  to Christ. This problem had to do with verse 6, "If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned." So, abiding in the Vine was no longer this peaceful, relational, pastoral idea of Christian spirituality. It was more like: you'd better maintain a continual, high level of obedience, along with a Spirit-filled life, or you will burn in hell.

This issue got resolved when I realized a third possible interpretation -- perhaps "abiding in Christ" referred to the Christian's one-time conversion by faith, not some up-and-down spiritual experience or high level of obedience. So, at the moment we convert and ask Christ to be our Lord and Savior, then we are solidly and forever abiding in the Vine. Even though we still sin and often don't feel connected, we are always connected by that one-time faith. So, if you are a Christian (whether strong or weak), you are abiding in the Vine. There's no need to strive for something more.

Of course, we need to define fruit. Later in John 15, Jesus indicates that those who abide and bear fruit will keep His commandments, abide in His love and love others. In Galatians 5:23, the fruit of the Spirit is listed as "...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law." In Colossians 1:10, Paul prays that the believers at Colossae "...may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." So, it's safe to say that bearing fruit encompasses a lot, pretty much anything good that comes from the Christian's life. I don't think fruit refers specifically to winning souls to Christ. Not all are called to be evangelists, though all should "...be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15). So, I think we are fruitful by being willing and prepared to share the Gospel. The results are up to God.

So why are some Christians not bearing fruit? Some would say that unfruitful Christians are actually not Christians. The Calvinistic P in TULIP asserts the perseverance of the saints, that a true regenerated Christian will follow and obey Christ throughout their lives. Their lives will bear fruit. I would say this may be true in some cases.

My position is that if someone claims to be a Christian, but their overall behavior, words, and beliefs don't line up with Biblical truth, then they might not be a Christian. I think it's okay to gently express this doubt to the supposed Christian. It's better to risk offending someone who shows no evidence of their claim to faith, than to give them a false hope that they are saved. However, I don't know for sure what's going on in their heart. Since my boyhood conversion, I've drifted (big time) from the faith three times. Each time, I eventually came back. I'm pretty sure I was saved during the big drifts, but there is some doubt.

Why are some genuine Christians bearing little fruit, while others are bearing much? I think, in part, it's because the unfruitful Christians are neglecting the little things God has called them to. Some of Christ's parables talk about how his followers need to be faithful with little, so they will be entrusted with much. If we don't make the effort to take baby steps, how will we learn to run?

Being "faithful with little" involves leading with the body, which opens our heart to the Spirit. This can refer to the spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, confession, fellowship with strong believers, serving others, Bible reading, etc..  If God wants me to read the Bible daily, then I need to lead with my body by turning on my Kindle Fire and reading my ESV. It sounds like works, but it's really faith in action. James explains how Abraham's faith was completed by his works: "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness' -- and he was called a friend of God." (James 2:21-23 ESV).

Ah, but when I get too comfortable in leading with the body, there is a danger that it will become dead, faithless works. The purpose of a spiritual discipline isn't to pat myself on the back for doing it. Rather, it is to open myself to the Holy Spirit's work in my soul. That is why I'm to be faithful in the little things. When I do my part, God will do His part by transforming my heart and producing spiritual fruit in my life. As Paul said, "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." I think salvation here refers not to the afterlife, but on how we navigate through the problems and circumstances of this life. I do my part and God does His part.

However, I've found that I can fall flat on my face even trying to do the little things. Sometimes the Lord reminds me that I need His strength in order to do anything. Paul said, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ will rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9). I've lost count of the times I've prayed, "Please help me Lord! Apart from you I can do nothing!"

Is it inside out or outside in? I'd say both, but only if we're first connected to the Vine at conversion, by faith. Then, we lead with the body, so the Holy Spirit can transform our souls and produce genuine fruit in our lives.