Someone can be right and still be a jerk.

This person may hold strongly to good convictions yet still be gripped by judgment, fear, and animosity. This kind of white-knuckled “rightness” rarely yields good fruit.

But when strong convictions are lived out with true humility, when Spirit-empowered love rather than idealism is in the driver’s seat, look out. You’re dealing with real spiritual power that has the capacity to bring about lasting change.

Such was the case with eighteenth century preacher and abolitionist John Woolman. Woolman’s journal — which Richard Foster discusses on the Renovaré Podcast this week—reveals strong convictions held with an unmatched purity of heart and sensitivity to the Lord.

Gentleness truly is alluring, and the gentle Woolman draws my soul in and makes me ask, What kind of person thinks and acts like this?

A person whose heart and mind are saturated by the life of God.

In addition to the podcast interview, you can get to know Woolman through Richard’s piece, “The Quiet Power of a Transformed Life,” and by reading Woolman’s own words.

So may we partner with God in becoming the kind of people who can hold strong convictions with great humility.

The Quiet Power of a Transformed Life

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