On Paying Attention

A Word from Dallas Willard

This new section of my Substack — Words from the Wise — will feature short reflections on the writings of spiritual masters that have guided me on the way that leads to life. It’s right for me to start with Dallas Willard, a man whose teachings have opened my eyes to the reality and opportunity of life in the Kingdom of God as a disciple of Jesus.

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A Word from Dallas Willard

If God’s eyes are too pure to behold evil (Habakkuk 1:13), we had better think it might be wise for us to look away as much as is feasible—even if it is called “entertainment.” We are to abhor evil and cleave to that which is good, and the foundation for doing that lies in where we choose to place our minds. — Dallas Willard in Renovation of the Heart

I used to think my dad was being “extra” — as my kids now accuse me of being — when he would walk in the room and turn off the music we were listening to, or interrogate us about the lesson learned from the movie we just watched. Admittedly, sometimes he was being a little extra, but I understand why now. He was teaching us to be discerning about what we were taking in; because, as he knew, what we were taking in had formative power.

This is the same lesson Willard is teaching. If, as disciples of Jesus, we would become like him in spirit and character, we would need to be mindful of what the things we behold are doing to us. We must ask what thoughts, ideas, and beliefs are they trying to teach us to hold dear. But beyond abstaining from beholding what is bad, we must seek to pay attention to what is good; those things also teach us something.

As the apostle Paul said, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

One of the ways I started paying attention to what is good is by reading biographies of people who lived large for God. As I beheld their beautiful lives I was inspired to be like them. I hope ‘Word from the Wise’ will serve as a source of goodness that will inspire you on your journey as a disciple of Jesus in the Kingdom of God.

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