In the Psalms, David mourns in repentance over the sins he had committed. A clean heart and a right spirit would be his best insurance that such would not be repeated (Psa. 51:10). A right spirit would be one “not disquieted by fears or doubts, a mind stayed on the Lord, and therefore kept in perfect peace” (Cooke). The Bible uses the word spirit in at least three distinct senses. We read about the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3), the human spirit (Jam. 2:26), and spirit in the sense of attitude or disposition; a mood or emotional state (John 4:24). New Testament Christianity is perpetuated in part by a “right spirit” or attitude. (cf. John 4:24; 2 Cor. 9:7; Col. 3:23; Psa. 51:10). Without a proper spirit (attitude or disposition) on the part of us all, the Lord's work cannot prosper. Whatever we do in word or deed will be done mechanically, if at all, unless we have the right attitude. But I am exceedingly glad to report that many of the Christians with whom I have personally conversed do have the right attitude; they know that a high peak of interest must be maintained and that without this proper disposition vibrancy will be replaced by indifference, and indifference can never increase worship attendance or meet goals. All members should strive to keep high attendance ratings in all worship services (including Bible Study & Gospel Meetings), and many are working hard to achieve it. It is imperative, therefore, that we all deeply involve ourselves in the work and all the activities of the local congregation.

No Prosthetics Available

Prosthetics have to do with artificial devices. Sometimes either through a “natural cause” or a “catastrophic occurrence” someone loses a member of the body such as the arm, hand or leg. In such cases the function of the missing “body part” can be partially remedied through prosthesis. But when a spirit (attitude or disposition) is missing there are no prosthetics available to correct the deficiency. It is very difficult, even sometimes impossible, to retrieve a positive attitude which has been abandoned or restore interest which has been lost. Involved in the grievous times which Paul the apostle said would come (2 Tim. 3:1) were those who held to a “form of godliness,” which in this case means the “absence of real piety”.

Service to God means very little when it is executed in cold, mechanical fashion. Many years ago, some brethren who were standing on the outside of the church building on a warm, Sunday morning, said, “Let's go inside and get this over with!” They wanted to get to the lake for an afternoon of fun and frolic, but worship stood in the way. New Testament Christianity does present a “form” or “pattern”, to be followed, but with the proper attitude and the greatest amount of excitement. ... There should be an excellent spirit among us coupled with no little excitement. We should have an apparent “gladness” present which seems to say, “We’re happy with what we are doing!” Enthusiasm Is Contagious. Enthusiasm has a tendency to rub off on others. Remember, it was Andrew who enthusiastically said, “We have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, Christ)” (John 1:41). Surely Simon, his brother, shared in the excitement. There is much to be excited about in our work. Surely our exciting plans will include reaching more deeply into the community with the gospel of Christ. If the right spirit permeates our entire being we surely will be more than conquerors.

Noah A. Hackworth
Visalia, Ca.