"Paul, on Evidence of the Spirit-filled life" Gal 5.22-23  

Okay, just exactly how is a Christian supposed to be? Is there a 'one size fits all' cookie-cutter pattern for Christian behavior? Is there no provision for personality differences, social and family systems behavioral influences? And, what about the possibility of genetic influence on behavior?

The Bible deals with patterned and patterning responses and motivations. In the therapeutic world of mental health there is a widely recognized modality called, "Cognitive Restructuring." It is a marvelous method for working with juveniles and adolescents who need behavior modification and attitude adjustments.

I also believe it is a very Biblically sound method of therapeutic intervention and adaptation that will work with Christians everywhere and any age. We need not discount  personality differences, social and family systems behavioral influences. We just need to understand that those have, to greater or lesser degrees, contributed to the behavior of an individual up to this point, but cannot be allowed to stand alone to be the continuing determination of how a person behaves from this point on...

WE CAN CHANGE! We must change. This imperative to change is not only for the sake of society but equally or perhaps more importantly, for the sake of the individual.

Paul said, "Think on these things..." Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." The Old Testament seer said, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

And so how are we to be? Let's start with this list, "(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

How are we doing on providing evidence in support of our claims of being Christians?