“All love in general hath an assimilating efficacy; it casts the mind into the mould of the thing beloved… Every
approach unto God by ardent love and delight is transfiguring.”
… John Owen (1616-1683)

Okay, I should probably know what “efficacy” means from the way it is used in this quote, but I still wanted to look it up. Websters Online defines it as “the power to produce an effect.” Intersting. What I keep coming back to in these words by Owen is “ardent” and “delight.” It is not a passive or casual or flighting love of God that transfigures, but one marked by intention and hard work. And it is not done out of obligation or guilt, but delight. Hmm. Gets back to having an attitude of gratitude.