Pitfalls in Conversion

In our continuing conversion, there are two dangers.

A wise man once said, and something I try to keep in mind is, “Failure comes sudden and swift, but success comes one step at a time”. The first danger is complacency. If our spiritually is the same now as it was one, two, five, or even twenty years ago, then we have become complacent. Complacency is a slow death. It invariably leads to stagnation, and stagnation leads to decay. Then, one day, the realization comes sudden and swift, and we are shocked by how much we have drifted away, and turn in wonder at how far we have fallen. Where there is no change, there is no growth.

The second danger is moving too quickly and taking on too much at one time. Our continual conversion requires significant discernment. Real, interior change is difficult. We all fear change in one form or another. And we may be especially resistant to an unsought change.

On the other hand, we are usually eager for changes that we view as beneficial, and that is one of the fundamental elements of inner conversion. A positive psychology, and a positive attitude, are powerful forces in our lives. If we can see the benefit of, for example, greater prayer, greater devotion, and greater discipleship, then the battle is already won, even if it involves going in an unforeseen, or even a previously unwanted, direction.