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 Behavior modification can be a good thing. God used behavior modification in the Old Testament. The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for over 400 years and had picked up some pretty bad behaviors. God brought Moses up into Mt. Sinai and for 40 days and nights wrote a tablet full of behavior modification for them to follow. But behavior modification alone did not solve their problems. As you read through the Old Testament you see how time after time the people of Israel would fall back into their old bad behaviors.
You see, they needed something more than just behavior modification. They needed a new heart- a new spirit- a new LIFE! God knew this and He made a promise that would come with the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them.” Ezekiel 36: 26-27
In the New Testament God offers us the solution to the problem. But what is the problem? The core issue is the heart. Trying to change a person’s life by behavior modification alone is like trying to change the fruit of a tree by cutting off its branches. Not only does that not change the tree, but the branches and fruit grow back and usually with more vigor. Only by removing the tree and then planting a new tree, will we get the desired results- a new tree. And only through repentance and sanctification will we get a new heart; And from the heart of a man springs forth all the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23) So God made a promise- that he would give us a new heart and a new spirit.
Zacheaus was a good New Testament example of someone who experienced a new heart:
“And Zacheaus stood, and said unto the LORD; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, this day is salvation come to this house…” Luke 19:9
When one receives this new heart, then and only then, will learning new behaviors or applying “learning modification” to our lives be fully effective.
Behavior modification is a good thing and will always be needed, for we are ever growing and learning. Coupled with the new heart and the power of God’s Holy Spirit in the heart the results are sure- a holy, pure life, walking in communion with God. And all that we seek for – peace, love, joy, contentment, gentleness, goodness, etc… will be ours! (Galatians 5; 22-23)
Further Related Reading:
• Who is Jesus Christ and why did he come to earth?
• God's Holy Spirit (also known as the Holy Ghost) who is he and how does he work?
• What Must I do to Be Saved?
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