Men and women of God who would not think of gambling, drinking or committing an act of fleshly evil, may otherwise be guilty of a sour disposition with an envious, bitter or negative frame of mind. An individual may quote Scripture, pray fervently and have an unblemished attendance record at worship services, yet may possess such a critical and negative attitude about life that others actually wish to avoid them.

Are sins of the flesh less harmful than sins of the spirit? The sin of a bad attitude can cripple, if not kill, the progress of the Lord's church in any community.

A weak brother may have the foulest, most profane tongue of anyone in the town and the church would not want him to serve publicly in the worship assembly. Rightly so! But if a brother has a sour spirit and is known to be a habitual discourager of others, he shall be used!!!

Regardless of daily news, sorrowful circumstances or stormy weather, each of us has a duty to show ourselves true men and women of God and be of good cheer. The Bible says:

"...greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:4-5).

Jesus also said, "In the world ye have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). May our faith in God cause us always to see all circumstances in as favorable a light as possible and let us have a happy readiness to go onward in life.