| The Joy of Service |
Chapter 3 |
Page 6 |
It is not enough, however, merely to state the law that our own heart gives the quality to the music that breaks on our ears. The fact that one has a temperament which sees everything hopelessly, in shadow, is not to be regarded as a final, unchangeable fact. We are not to say in excuse for our gloomy way of looking at things that we were made thus and cannot remake ourselves.
In the first place, we are not made, thus, but, following a trend of tendency in our nature, have fallen into the miserable habit of weakly yielding to discouragement. Then, even if we had been made thus, with melancholy temperament, that would be no reason for our continuing unto the end of life in this unhappy state. Our business is to grow into the likeness of Christ, and He never let Himself become subject to unhappy moods. He always found the beautiful thing. He always heard the songs of angels, or the voice of God, even when others heard only the sound of thunder. He saw the flowers where others saw only the thorns. He saw the stars where those about Him saw only muddy roads. He found hope where others found only despair.
We should seek to be like Christ in His wonderful optimism. If we find ourselves turning every sight and sound of earth into sadness, we should take ourselves resolutely in hand. We are living wastefully, sinfully, while we submit to such moods; and we should set ourselves to work to change the miserable trend and habit into something more beautiful and wholesome. Part of the work of Christ in us is to transform us into songful, cheerful, rejoicing Christians. St. Paul learned during his long life, in whatsoever state he was, therein to be content. He carried the secret in is own heart, so that he was not dependent on this world’s weather for the temperature of his inner life.
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