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I fear the spirit of melancholy and constraint.
-St Francis de Sales
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Negative, controlling, crabby, critical, always pessimistic Christians
- Let’s not be one of those – not too common, but still we see them around.
- We needn’t pattern our lives and thoughts after the great sourpusses of history,
- nor even the experts of fear and manipulation who live in our towns.
- Jesus claims to bring Hope
- Hope, Joy, Freedom, Peace, Thankfulness;
- and there are millions who say it’s true today.
- And the Apostle Paul lists those as chief blessings.
- These great blessings are carried to us by the Spirit.
- Even if it seems we SHOULD feel bad
- like maybe we deserve it –
- it definitely is OK, whenever we can, to let go of the melancholy that wants to cling to us.
- And it’s definitely OK to live in an experience of joy, and awareness of love – even if we don’t deserve it – because Christ has purchased that for us.
- See “Wear Your Diagnosis Lightly; It’s Not Really You“
- And you know, life is more fun
- with hope and joy and healthy freedom.
- It’s also more productive.
- It’s the way things work best,
- and it’s the way it’s meant to be.
- THAT’s why the author quoted above said “I fear.” He/she knew how damaging it can be.
- We may need some counseling, seriously;
- we may need some practice
- but let’s learn to walk away from that spirit of melancholy and constraint. 🙂
I fear the spirit of melancholy and constraint.
– St Francis de Sales
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