Dissappointment & Gratitude

Have you ever changed your mind about a spiritual view? Yes, I suppose I have. Most of the time it is because I have new information or new experiences that have caused me to re-evaluate my beliefs. Honestly, I don't think I have changed too many views though that have been a 180 degree turn. Sure my views have changed, but mostly they have continued to form and develop on topics where I admit that I don't know all the answers. I can only think of a couple of times in which I have changed my mind in a bigger way.

This Past Sunday my pastor suggested that people change views after being disappointed and disillusioned about something. At first I wasn't sure if I completely agreed with that statement, although I knew it had some truth about it. Yet, the more I think about it the more I agree. People I know that have converted from Protestantism to Catholicism have done so over disillusionment with the Protestant church. People who have switched churches have often done so out of disappointment. I can't say that every doctrinal change in belief is because of disappoint, but many times it is. Perhaps disappointment leads us to keep looking for the truth. Yet, at the same time, we need to be careful because even the truth will hold its moments of disappointment and discouragement. And disappointment can also lead someone away from the truth.

One thing that I especially liked was the progression given: disappointment, disillusionment, deviation, dismantling of the faith. If disappointment is left unchecked it will lead to disillusionment, which in turn will cause you to deviate from a belief or course of action.

How do you guard against letting disappointment get the better of you? One word: gratitude. Gratitude is a key preservative in the Christian life. There are many reasons that thankfulness is commanded in Scriptures. One of them is to protect you from deviating from the faith or from sound doctrine. It could even harm a relationship, be it a friend or family member.