Taming our subconscious (2)

When our subconscious causes havoc we gain an opportunity to change some part of our hidden selves.

An undisturbed Id, one that has all its desires satisfied, doesn't bother us. But an unhappy Id brings discomfort and thereby draws attention to a previously hidden area where our trouble lies. Struggling with our subconscious isn't always a bad thing. For example, we should put up resistance when an inordinate desire seeks control or when a blindspot in our personality causes involuntary unwanted behaviour. Internal conflict and struggles may well be indications of divine transformation at work (Ephesians 4:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Many wise people in my life have said that people don't change. There is even a Chinese saying "At age 3, you are set til age 80"--meaning no substantial personality change is possible beyond age 3. But my experience has been quite different. I have gone from being extremely shy to having confidence, from having resentment to forgiving people, from being arrogant to being more humbly self-aware. Each of these profound changes surprised me to the core; they were never a result of something I initiated or even wanted. Change--of our deep selves, our Ids, our subconscious, is possible...

Experience tells me that the internal work of the Holy Spirit must be true (Romans 8).