Caz Goodman taught us about the sins of impatience, frustration, and irritability. 

He first explained that when we are impatient, irritable, and frustrated, we are not reflecting the Godly virtues of patience, endurance, tolerance, understanding, contentment, and joyfulness.  He gave us several examples of each in the Bible, such as Moses who was an angry man, Jonah who was impatient with the ninevites, and Peter who was angry and impatient and thus spoke without thinking.  

These qualities are reflected in our “disposition”, meaning our inherent qualities of mind and character, our attitudes and mood, as well as our frame of mind.  A proper and Godly disposition can allow the love of Christ to shine through us.  When our disposition is sinful, it can negatively affect our witness for Christ and rob us and others around us of joy in Him.    

We can gain an understanding of our disposition by considering how we are perceived by those who know us well, such as family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.    We can also consider our disposition when we are under pressure or encountering trials.    

The answer to changing a sinful disposition?  We ultimately need to rely on the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to set our minds and hearts on developing a godly disposition that pleases the Lord and reflects Him properly.  To this end:    

• Know that situations of life don’t have to make us impatient, frustrated, or irritable, instead God is looking to use them to develop our endurance, help makes us complete, and bring about perseverance, character, and hope (James 1:2-4, 1:12, Rom. 5:3-5). 
• Be strong and stand firm in trials by acting like true men (1 Cor 16:13).
• When going through difficulties, hope expectantly for eternal life, rather than dwelling on them (Rom.  12:12).
• Seek to emulate Paul, who clearly indicates in Phil. 4:11-13 that we can be content in ALL  circumstances and avoid these sins, through Christ who strengthens us!
• Identify reasons to be thankful, despite our immediate circumstances, and embrace the opportunity to be joyful.