I

Transformation in one’s disposition is not a change in behavior,

nor is it a feigned outward change or a temporary alteration made out of zeal.

No matter how good these changes are,

they cannot replace changes in life disposition;

these outward changes can be achieved through human efforts,

but changes in life disposition can only be achieved

through experiencing God’s judgment, chastisement, trials, and refinement,

as well as the perfection of the Holy Spirit.

Although people who believe in God exhibit some good behavior,

not a single one of them truly submits to God, truly loves God,

or can follow God’s will.

It is because this requires a change in life disposition,

and a mere change in behavior is far from sufficient.

II

A change in disposition

means that you have knowledge and experience of the truth,

and that the truth has become your life,

that it can direct and dominate your life and everything about you.

This is a change in your life disposition.

Only people who have truth as life are those whose dispositions have changed.

You can practice the truth in everything, live by God’s words,

and have a foundation for living, have a foundation for living.

This means that your disposition has changed.

You can now easily let go of your notions and imaginings,

and your fleshly preferences and pursuits,

which you couldn’t let go of before.

You feel that God’s words are genuinely good,

that practicing the truth is the best thing to do.

This means your disposition has changed.

III

A change in disposition sounds very simple,

but it’s actually a process that involves a lot of experience.

During this period, people need to suffer many hardships,

they need to subdue their own bodies and rebel against their flesh,

they also need to suffer judgment,

chastisement, pruning, trials, and refinement,

and they also need to experience many failures, falls, internal struggles,

and torments within their hearts.

Only after these experiences

can people have some understanding of their own nature,

but some understanding does not produce a complete change right away;

they have to go through a long period of experience

before they can finally cast off their corrupt dispositions little by little.

This is why it takes a lifetime to change one’s disposition,

it takes a lifetime to change one’s disposition.

from The Word, Vol. 3. The Discourses of Christ of the Last Days. What Should Be Known About Transforming One’s Disposition