Will

How we move when moved

“It is only as men are resolute that they are to be reckoned upon. He who is firm in will moulds the world to himself: in every region of life the chief cause of failure to rise to the height of one’s possibilities is the lack of coherent and tenacious purpose; and though firmness of will is in itself neither Christian nor moral, it is indispensable to all moral and Christian attainment. Unless religion can help here, can not only direct the energies of the will upon the noblest objects, but in doing so bring to it Divine reinforcements to raise it above the ordinary human level, it offers no sufficing message of hope for mankind”.

Robert Law (1860-1919), ‘The Emotions of Jesus’, p 75.

This is a slight digression from my meditations on the roots of spirituality - but not a big one.

I was struck by the relevance of Robert Law’s discussion of ‘the will’ (in the context of Jesus’ determination to complete his mission) to modern life. To modern politics, modern culture, modern religion, modern struggles to achieve something for the gospel.

The will is what makes choices and decisions. Determination is called for. A tenacious will is not specifically Christian nor moral - it is human, and may be evil - but without it nothing of note is ever achieved. Does your religion make you determined, as Jesus was when he ‘set his face to go to Jerusalem’ (Luke 9:51)?

But we only decide and act as we are moved by something. What moves the will? We’ll see next time.