Our Disposition

Our dispositions are merely an outward sign of what is really within us.  An outward sign of what is predominate within our inner self.

If we are predominate there, our disposition shows it.  If Christ is predominate there, our disposition shows that too.

Then what are we to do?  If we know Christ lives within us, and we are still displaying ourselves via our dispositions, what are we to do?  First, we are to remember that He works with our minds according to the way He created them.  And He created them to form habits.  If we remember this, we will realize that we must from the habit of choosing to let Christ act through us.

A Gentle Spirit, May 31

Great Things From God

Have you ever heard of the spiritual disease which people in Medieval times called "aceidie"?  It is something that threatens all Christian workers after the first flush of enthusiasm has worn off.  It is apathy of the soul.  It shows a certain toughness of mind and weariness of spirit which often results from hurt and disillusionment... Once upon a time these leather-souled people were keen, hopeful, and expectant.  But nothing happened, or they got hurt, and now they protect themselves against further pain... They work mechanically, merely going through the motions because their light has really gone out and they are no longer expecting anything to happen... So, they merely plod on, expecting nothing and receiving nothing... We ought never settle for a non-expectant, defeatist attitude.  Rather, we should be asking and expecting great things from God.

In God's Presence by J.I. Packer, October 10