Shaping Character through Divine Guidance and Disciplined Behavior
Have you heard of the principle of “garbage in, garbage out” (GIGO)? It’s a computer programming concept that can present as a metaphor for human cognition related to personal behavioral and character development. You can apply this analogy to training yourself to be more like Christ.
We can absolutely draw parallels between computer input-output processes and the formation of behavioral processes of human habits, conscience, and emotional responses. This relationship actually aligns with Biblical principles, supported by disciplined practices that foster godly character. This input-output formula emphasizes the transformative power of utilizing behavioral priciples found in God’s Word for shaping individual behavior and cultivating personal virtues such as righteousness, love, service, and holiness in daily living.
Simply stated, the computer programming principle of “garbage in, garbage out” (GIGO) asserts that the quality of a program’s output depends on the quality of its input. If flawed data or instructions are provided, the results will be erroneous. This concept serves as a powerful analogy for human behavior: the influences we allow into our minds shape our actions, habits, and character. Just as a computer requires precise programming, human beings require intentional guidance to produce virtuous outcomes. God’s holy Word applied to environmental interactions, deliberate conscience, habit formation, emotional control, and divine guidance interact to form exemplary Christian character grounded in scripture to ptoduce an outcome effective ministry.
Conscience as a Filter: The Input-Output Dynamic
The human mind learns and adapts based on environmental interactions, with the conscience serving as a filter for what is internalized. Indiscriminate acceptance of external influences risks corrupting one’s character, much like flawed data corrupts a computer’s output. The Bible warns against conforming to worldly influences and urges discernment.
Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
This verse emphasizes the need to filter worldly inputs through a renewed mind, aligning with God’s will to produce righteous output.
Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
The heart, as the seat of conscience, must be guarded to ensure that only godly influences shape behavior.
Tye Puritan theologian Richard Baxter, in his 1664 work A Christian Directory, stresses the importance of guarding the heart against sinful influences: “Take heed what company you keep, what books you read, and what thoughts you entertain, for these are the inlets of the soul” (Baxter, 1664, p. 234). Baxter’s admonition aligns with the GIGO principle, urging believers to be selective about their mental and spiritual inputs.
Application
Just as a computer processes instructions to produce results, the conscience evaluates environmental inputs to shape actions. By filtering influences through scripture and prayer, believers can ensure that their output—behavior—reflects God’s righteousness.
Here is a children’s Bible song that illustrates selective input:
“Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see,
Oh, be careful little ears, what you hear,
Oh, be careful, little tongue, what you say,
Oh, be careful, little hands, what you do,
Oh, be careful, little feet, where you go,
— There’s a Father up above who’s looking down in love, so be careful what you always say and do.”
Habits: Programming Character
On average, it takes 66 days to form a new habit, though some behaviors may solidify faster through observation or take years to become ingrained. Habits, as repeated actions, are the programming instructions of character. The Bible calls believers to cultivate habits that align with God’s commands.
1 Timothy 4:7-8, “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things.”
Paul likens spiritual discipline to physical exercise, suggesting that consistent practice forms godly habits.
Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin.” Internalizing scripture creates a habit of righteousness, reducing sinful behavior.
In 1620, the same year the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, in his treatise The Practice of Piety, Lewis Bayly advises believers to develop daily habits of prayer and scripture reading: “As the body is strengthened by daily sustenance, so the soul is fortified by constant communion with God” (Bayly, 1620, p. 89). Bayly’s emphasis on routine mirrors modern research on habit formation, reinforcing the need for consistent spiritual practice.
Application
Character is programmed through repeated actions, much like a computer executes coded instructions. By intentionally cultivating habits of godliness—through prayer, study, and obedience—believers can align their behavior with divine standards, avoiding the “garbage” of sinful patterns.
Behavioral Impact: Rewriting the Code
Deliberate behavioral change requires identifying specific behaviors, setting clear goals, and developing a plan. However, prevention is always a better alternative: avoiding negative behaviors altogether eliminates the need for correction. It is better to preemptively avoid problems than actually going through them needlessly, and then learning the hard lessons. The Bible advocates both proactive and corrective approaches to behavior.
Ephesians 4:22-24, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Paul instructs believers to replace sinful behaviors with righteous ones, emphasizing renewal through God’s guidance.
Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Early training prevents the adoption of negative behaviors, underscoring the value of proactive formation.
Application
Behavioral change is akin to rewriting a computer program. By identifying flawed “code” (sinful habits) and replacing it with godly practices, believers can produce virtuous output. Prevention, through early training and discernment, minimizes the need for correction.
Self Control: Mastering the Output
Emotions such as sadness, fear, or anger are within our control, as we can choose how to respond to circumstances. The Bible calls believers to exercise self-discipline, ensuring emotional responses align with God’s will.
Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Paul instructs believers to control their thoughts, which govern emotions, by focusing on virtuous things.
Proverbs 16:32, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Mastery over one’s emotions is a mark of strength and godliness.
Thomas à Kempis, in The Imitation of Christ (c. 1418), advises believers to govern their passions: “He who controls his heart by reason and grace shall find peace, for the Spirit of God rules the disciplined soul” (à Kempis, 1418, Book II, Ch. 3). This aligns with the Biblical call to regulate emotions through spiritual discipline.
Application
Emotions are outputs influenced by mental inputs. By choosing to dwell on godly thoughts and relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can control their emotional responses, ensuring they reflect Christ’s character rather than worldly impulses.
Godliness: Aligning with Divine Standards
While individuals act according to what they believe is right in the moment, true righteousness is measured by God’s standards. The Bible urges believers to seek guidance through scripture, the Holy Spirit, and spiritual disciplines to ensure their behavior honors God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Scripture provides the blueprint for righteous behavior, equipping believers for every good work.
John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.”
The Holy Spirit directs believers toward godly actions, ensuring alignment with divine will.
Jonathan Edwards, in his 1746 work A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections, emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in shaping behavior: “True religion consists in holy affections, guided by the Spirit and grounded in the Word” (Edwards, 1746, p. 112). Edwards’ insight underscores the necessity of divine guidance for righteous conduct.
Application
Godly behavior requires submitting personal beliefs to God’s truth. By relying on scripture and the Holy Spirit, believers can produce positive output—actions—that glorify God, avoiding the “garbage” of self-justified but sinful behavior.
Spiritual Growth: Cultivating Virtues
Good character is built by actively choosing to respond to challenges in alignment with God’s will, cultivating habits of love, holiness, and righteousness. The Bible outlines qualities of godly character, such as walking in the light, loving others, and pursuing holiness.
1 John 2:6, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
Imitating Christ’s walk is the essence of godly character.
1 John 3:7, “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.”
Practicing righteousness defines the believer’s character.
1 John 4:7, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”
Love for others is a hallmark of godly character.
Augustine of Hippo, in his Confessions (c. 398), reflects on the transformative power of God’s grace in shaping character: “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee” (Augustine, 398, Book I). Augustine’s journey from sin to holiness illustrates the cultivation of virtues through divine guidance. Although we may not agree with his theology, he did believe in dedication to godly living.
Application
Godly character is the cumulative output of habits, choices, and responses aligned with God’s will. By practicing virtues such as love, right living, service to others, worship, prayer, witnessing, and personlal holiness, believers reflect Christ’s image, producing “good fruit” rather than “garbage.”
Coding Yourself
The GIGO principle, while rooted in computer science, offers profound insights into human behavior and character development. Just as a computer’s output depends on its input, a believer’s actions, habits, and emotions are shaped by the influences they internalize. By filtering inputs through the conscience, cultivating godly habits, controlling emotions, and aligning behavior with scripture, believers can build character that glorifies God. As believers walk in the light, love others, and pursue holiness, they fulfill the call to be “perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:17).
References
Augustine. (398). Confessions. Translated by E. B. Pusey, 1838.
Baxter, R. (1664). A Christian Directory. London: Robert White.
Bayly, L. (1620). The Practice of Piety. London: John Hodgets.
Edwards, J. (1746). A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections. Boston: S. Kneeland.
à Kempis, T. (1418). The Imitation of Christ. Translated by W. Benham, 1874.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. (1611).
