Behavioral Modification

In two recent studies [1] [2]Christ-followers were asked what if any, were the obstacles or barriers that kept them from engaging others in a spiritual conversation that could lead to sharing the gospel. Both of these studies informed us that up to 85% of active Christ followers indicated that they allow a barrier to keep them from engaging others. In both studies, the number one barrier was that the Christ-follower did not want to come off as pushy or confrontational. They did not want to have to call people out on their sin or be argumentative. Taking a deeper look into this barrier, it could be said then that many Christ-followers see evangelism as a task of changing people’s behavior. “If you just stop your sinful lifestyle, you will be accepted by God.” It could be said then that many Christ-followers view evangelism as a means of behavioral modification. 

I would argue that salvation is not about behavior modification. Salvation happens when we respond to the truth and love of Jesus Christ, and therefore trusting in Jesus alone for salvation. If salvation was about behavioral modification, then we must rethink Paul’s encouragement to the Church in Ephesus when he claimed that “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

Looking at people as either sinners or saints is not a contemporary issue. In the seventh chapter of Luke’s gospel, we are told of a time when Jesus was invited over to Simon’s home to have a meal with other religious leaders. In today’s context, we can say that a pastor of a prominent church asked Jesus and other leaders to a dinner party. As all the Church leaders are together talking with Jesus, a woman shows up. Not just any woman, but the Bible describes her as a “sinner.” We don’t know what her sin issues are, but we do know that she had a reputation, for the other leaders knew her well. She comes in, falls at Jesus’ feet. With her tears, she washes Jesus’ feet and then anoints his feet with an alabaster flask of ointment. Here we are let into the thinking of the religious leaders. “Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner” (vs 39). These leaders were focused on behavior! She is a sinner! “Jesus if he were any kind of prophet, he would not let this woman touch his feet.” While the religious folks were focused on behavior, Jesus is focusing on her faith and the action that her faith took her.

Jesus illustrates to Simon and the other leaders that his mission is to come and forgive the debts of man, and those that have large debts will most likely be more appreciative. Then he turns his back on the religious leaders and looks at the women. As he continues to talk to Simon and the others, he illustrates how this woman has shown her reverence to Jesus, washing his feet, anointing them, a way of acknowledging her need for Jesus in her life. Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”  (44-47). Jesus offers her forgiveness of her sins. And we read that she received forgiveness because of her faith, not because she promised to change her behavior or lifestyle. Jesus told her, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (vs 50) It was her faith that saved her, not changing her behavior, not of by works! If you have believed that to participate in sharing the truth and love of Jesus with others, that your ultimate goal was “behavioral modification”, be free today!

Change should and will be a natural bi-product or next step as a person starts following Jesus. Scripture tells us that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). As the Holy Spirit takes up residency, we read it is his job to convict humankind of sin and to lead Christ's followers into all truth and righteousness (John 16:13). In other words, as pastor Craig Groeschel says, “Christianity has never been about behavioral modification; its about life transformation”[3]. This takes place as a believer yields to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is part of the Holy Spirit’s job description.  Author Bob Goff shares that “Telling people what they should want turns us into sheriffs. People who are becoming love lose the badge and give away grace instead. Tell the people you meet who they’re becoming, and trust that God will help people find their way…”[4] Goff is encouraging us to love people, to live and walk in grace, the same grace that saved us, will save them.

What if we looked at sharing the love of Jesus with others as a means of giving away grace, instead of trying to change people in a moment? If we did, the barrier of not wanting to be pushy or confrontational would not be an issue. Calling people out on their sin would be replaced by telling people how much love God has for them. There would be no more fear of being argumentative when you are focused on bragging about what Jesus has done in your life, and how you want everyone everywhere to have their own grace experience.

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[1] Schaal, David. 2020. “Intentional Engagement: Toward an Evangelistic Initiative of Gospel Proclamation.” Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Intercultural Studies.

[2] Reviving Mission: Equipping Your Church to Engage in Spiritual Conversations.2021. Colorado Springs, CO: Every Home for Christ. Revivingmission.com. 

[3] Groeschel, Craig. 2021. Winning The War In Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Books.

[4] Goff, Bob. 2018. Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People. Nelson, Thomas, Inc.