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Fifth Edition
Fundamentals of
Organizational Behavior
Andrew J. DuBrin
Professor of Management, Emeritus
College of Business
Rochester Institute of Technology
1
PART 3 GROUPS AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS
viii Contents
8
Managing On-Site Teams and Virtual Teams 214
Implications for Managerial Practice 216
Summary of Key Points 216
Key Terms and Phrases 217
Discussion Questions and Activities 217
Case Problem: Home Rehab Day at Tymco 217
Endnotes 219
Contents ix
9
13 Conflict and Stress 271
Learning Objectives 271
Conflict in Organizations 272
Conflict Management Styles 280
Dealing with Difficult People 283
Negotiating and Bargaining 284
Work Stress 286
Organizational Approaches to Stress Management 291
Individual Approaches to Stress Management 292
Implications for Managerial Practice 294
Summary of Key Points 295
Key Terms and Phrases 295
Discussion Questions and Activities 296
Case Problem: Garth Ponders a Sensitive Confrontation 296
Endnotes 296
x Contents
10
The 41 Framework of a Learning Organization 331
Building Blocks of a Learning Organization 332
Knowledge Management 334
Methods of Sharing Information 335
Implications for Managerial Practice 338
Summary of Key Points 338
Key Terms and Phrases 339
Discussion Questions and Activities 339
Case Problem: The Corporate Culture Picnic 339
Endnotes 340
Contents xi
11
Summary of Key Points 389
Key Terms and Phrases 390
Discussion Questions and Activities 390
Case Problem: Janine Schemes to Avoid Being Laid Off 391
Endnotes 391
Glossary G–1
Organization Index I–1
Name Index I–2
Subject Index I–4
xii Contents
12 8:28 PM
Preface
xiii
13
The Features
In addition to summarizing and synthesizing relevant information about essential orga-
nizational behavior topics and providing concrete examples of theories in action, Funda-
mentals of Organizational Behavior incorporates many useful features to make the mate-
rial more accessible, collaborative, and incisive. It also works hard to be technologically
relevant, such as by describing how information technology is used to enhance group
decision making, and how social media influence networking in organizations.
n Learning Objectives introduce the major themes of each chapter and provide a
framework for study.
n Boldfaced key terms are defined in the margins, listed at the end of each chapter,
and reinforced in an end-of-book glossary.
n Opening vignettes explore real organizational issues, highlighting the stake all
types of organizations have in using human capital well.
n Organizational Behavior in Action boxes describe the actions of managers and
professionals in dealing effectively with the human aspects of management,
making visible the connection between theory and practice.
n Self-Assessments and Skill-Development Exercises support self-directed learning
while driving the connections among research, theory, and practice down to
the personal level. They not only provide a point of departure for students in
understanding and valuing their own individual attitudes and behaviors, but they
also serve to create an ongoing dialogue, as each assessment and exercise can be
returned to many times over the course of a semester. The Self-Assessments and
Skill-Development Exercises have been well-accepted features of the previous
four editions.
n Implications for Managerial Practice sections, located near the end of each
chapter, set off several smart suggestions for applying organizational behavior
information in a managerial context.
n Summaries of Key Points, located at the end of each chapter, integrate all key
topics and concepts into several cogent paragraphs and link them with the
chapter’s stated learning objectives.
n Key Terms and Phrases provide a useful review of each chapter’s terminology.
n Discussion Questions and Activities, located at the end of each chapter, are suitable
for individual or group analysis. Included are collaboration questions aimed at
fostering group activity.
n Case Problems, located at the end of each chapter, illustrate major themes of
the chapter and are suitable for individual or group analysis. Case Problems are
uniquely designed to complement this textbook, and include relevant follow-up
discussion questions and links to related websites when appropriate.
The Framework
Fundamentals of Organizational Behavior is a blend of description, skill development,
insight, and prescription. Divided into four parts, it moves from the micro to the macro,
beginning with a brief introduction to the discipline. It then progresses to an exploration
of the individual, to a discussion of groups and intergroup dynamics, and to an examina-
tion of organizational systems.
As just noted, Part 1 provides an introduction to organizational behavior. Chapter 1
focuses on the nature and scope of organizational behavior and provides the foundation
for what is to come.
Part 2 includes six chapters that deal with the individual in the organization. Chapter 2
describes fundamental aspects of understanding individuals in terms of individual differ-
ences, diversity, mental ability, and personality. Chapter 3 describes individuals from the
xiv Preface
14
standpoint of learning, perception, and values. Chapter 4 describes attitudes, job satisfac-
tion, and ethics as they relate to behavior in organizations. Chapter 5 is about individual
decision making and creativity. Chapter 6 presents basic concepts of motivation, and
Chapter 7 discusses techniques for enhancing motivation.
Part 3, about groups and intergroup relations, contains six chapters. Chapter 8 is about
interpersonal communication, and Chapter 9 covers group dynamics, including the char-
acteristics of an effective work group. Chapter 10 is devoted to teams and teamwork.
Chapter 11 deals with leadership, a cornerstone topic in organizational behavior and
management. Chapter 12 extends the study of leadership by describing power, politics,
and influence. Chapter 13 describes the nature and management of conflict and stress.
(This chapter deals in part with interpersonal phenomena and in part with individual
phenomena.)
Part 4, about the organizational system and the global environment, contains four chap-
ters covering macro issues in organizational behavior. Chapter 14 deals with organization
structure and design. Chapter 15 is about organizational culture and knowledge manage-
ment. Chapter 16 is about organizational change and innovation, but it also deals with the
individual profiting from change. Chapter 17 covers cultural diversity and cross-cultural
organizational behavior.
Preface xv
15
attitudes reflecting good concentration and focus. A skill-building exercise about brain-
storming in relation to a commodity product (paper clips) is presented.
Chapter 6: Foundation Concepts of Motivation
A section on employee engagement for motivation is introduced, including a self-
assessment quiz about work engagement tendencies. A skill-development exercise is pre-
sented about goal setting in the workplace.
Chapter 7: Motivational Methods and Programs
Meaningful work is added as an application of job enrichment, and a self-quiz about
meaningful work is included. A new and less complex figure is presented for the job char-
acteristics model. A description appears about how organizational behavior modification
is being applied to strengthen employee wellness programs. An explanation is provided
about how sales representatives at different levels of performance react to financial incen-
tives. Information is given about how gainsharing is used to motivate physicians to reduce
hospital costs and maintain high-quality healthcare.
Chapter 8: Interpersonal Communication
Facts are provided about how multitasking as part of computer-mediated communication
can adversely affect focus, concentration, and performance. Research is presented about
how the use of the pronoun “I” figures into persuasive language.
Chapter 9: Group Dynamics
Research is included about how shared team leadership is related to virtual team perfor-
mance. Information about worker suitability for virtual team membership is supported
with a self-quiz about self-discipline tendencies. A new procedure for the nominal group
technique is included in this chapter.
Chapter 10: Teams and Teamwork
The topic of teamwork on the fly as a form of self-managing teams is introduced. Infor-
mation is given about the unusual tactic of cramming people into a small physical space
to enhance teamwork.
Chapter 11: Leadership in Organizations
We reduce the discussion of the difference between leadership and management to sim-
plify the issue, and we omit the dated Leadership Grid and the Situational Leadership
Theory. Proactivity is added as a key leadership trait. A section is added on developing
one’s leadership potential.
Chapter 12: Power, Politics, and Influence
Figure 12-1 about the basics of empowerment is simplified and made more direct and
applied. An organizational behavior checklist is added about political blunders and gaffes
to avoid in the workplace. A skill-building exercise about high-quality exchanges with
coworkers is added.
Chapter 13: Conflict and Stress
The section about competing work and family demands is expanded because of its rele-
vance to so many present and future workers. More information is presented about well-
ness programs because of their key role in managing employees’ stress and reducing
healthcare costs. A key self-development exercise is added about a personal stress man-
agement action plan.
Chapter 14: Organization Structure and Design
A brief section is added about span of control because of the renewed interest in this
venerable topic. A self-assessment about attitude toward bureaucracy replaces the older
bureaucratic orientation scale. Figure 14-2 presents the functional structure at Microsoft,
xvi Preface
16
and Figure 14-3 presents the product structure at Caterpillar. Information is presented
about the extreme flat structure, or self-managing organization, at Morning Star. Reshor-
ing, or the bringing of jobs back to a country that outsourced those jobs previously, re-
ceives attention in the chapter.
Chapter 15: Organizational Culture and Knowledge Management
The topic of organizational ambidexterity, or taking care of the present and innovating for
the future at the same time, is introduced as a dimension of culture. The dimensions of
organizational justice and orientation toward serving are also added. Another addition is
a self-quiz about tendencies toward sharing knowledge.
Chapter 16: Organizational Change and Innovation
The section on models of the change process in organizations is shortened and simpli-
fied. Information is introduced about appointing coaches as facilitators of change. A new
section describes the roles of emotions and influential employees in bringing about large-
scale organizational change. Another new section explains how high-performance work
systems are used to bring about organizational change. The chapter concludes with a
section about the behavioral principles of innovation because so many change efforts are
aimed at making the organization more innovative.
Chapter 17: Cultural Diversity and Cross-Cultural Organizational Behavior
The concept of multicultural worker replaces the multicultural manager, and mention
is made of how being a multicultural worker also means having more than one cultural
identity. Figure 17-2, about what to do and not do in various countries, is expanded. Bias
against another demographic group is added as a barrier to good cross-cultural relations.
A section is added about cross-cultural differences in diversity programs, such as in the
use of quotas to attain diversity.
17
n Key terms search—Type in a term, and a search engine will return every instance
of that term in the book; then jump directly to the selection of your choice with
one click.
n Notes and highlighting—The online version includes study apps such as notes
and highlighting. Each of these apps can be found in the tools icon embedded in
the Academic Media Solutions/Textbook Media’s online eBook reading platform
(www.academicmediasolutions.com).
n Upgrades—The online version includes the ability to purchase additional study
apps and functionality that enhance the learning experience.
Instructor Supplements
In addition to its student-friendly features and pedagogy, the variety of student formats
available, and the uniquely affordable pricing options that are designed to provide stu-
dents with a flexibility that fits any budget and/or learning style, Fundamentals of Orga-
nizational Behavior, 5e, comes with the following teaching and learning aids:
n Test Item File—This provides an extensive set of multiple-choice, short answer,
and essay questions for every chapter for creating original quizzes and exams.
n Instructor’s Manual—This is an enhanced version of the book offering assistance
in preparing lectures, identifying learning objectives, developing essay exams and
assignments, and constructing course syllabi.
n PowerPoint Presentations—Key points in each chapter are illustrated in a set of
PowerPoint files designed to assist with instruction.
xviii Preface
18
Acknowledgments
The final topical content and organization of this text were heavily influenced by the
results of a survey of professors who expressed interest in using a shorter, more concise
textbook. Instructors from 60 colleges provided their opinions on what subjects form the
foundation of their courses. They also provided feedback on the types of pedagogical
activities and features that provide real value to the introductory organizational behavior
course. My writing also benefited from the suggestions of numerous reviewers, some of
whom, for reasons of confidentiality, must remain anonymous. Grateful acknowledgment
is made to
Lori Abrams Linda Morable, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota Richland College
David C. Baldridge Claire Marie Nolin, Ph.D.
Oregon State University Eastern Connecticut State University
Talya N. Bauer Regina M. O’Neill
Portland State University Suffolk University
Dr. Dorothy Brandt Douglas Palmer
Brazosport College Trinity College
Neil S. Bucklew Sarah Robinson
West Virginia University Indiana University–Purdue University
Indianapolis
Glenna Dod
Wesleyan College John W. Rogers
American International College
Debi Griggs
Bellevue Community College James Smas
Kent State University
Mary Humphrys
University of Toledo Darrin Sorrells, Ph.D.
Oakland City University
Avis L. Johnson
University of Akron Dr. Bonnie Tiell
Tiffin University
Marianne W. Lewis
University of Cincinnati Mary Anne Watson
University of Tampa
Jalane M. Meloun
Kent State University
Thanks also to the staff at Academic Media Solutions (AMS) who worked with me
to publish this new edition of Fundamentals of Organizational Behavior: Daniel C.
Luciano, president/founder of AMS, and Victoria Putman of Putman Productions. My
special thanks go also to Professors Douglas Benton of Colorado State University, Terri
Scandura of the University of Miami, and Ann Welsh of the University of Cincinnati, who
read the entire first-edition manuscript and made many valuable suggestions that continue
to inform my work.
xix
19
Finally, writing without loved ones would be a lonely task. My thanks therefore go to
my family: Drew, Heidi, Douglas, Gizella, Melanie, Will, Rosie, Clare, Camila, Sofia,
Eliana, Julian, Carson, and Owen. I thank also Stefanie, the woman in my life, and her
daughter Sofia for their contribution to my well-being.
Andrew J. DuBrin
xx Acknowledgments
20
About the Author
xxi
21
22
INTRODUCTION TO PART 1
1
ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR
Chapter Outline
The Meaning and Research
Methods of Organizational
Behavior
How You Can Benefit from
Studying Organizational
Behavior
A Brief History of Organizational
Behavior
Skill Development in
Organizational Behavior
A Framework for Studying
Organizational Behavior
Implications for Managerial
wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com Practice
Learning Objectives
After reading and studying this chapter and doing the exercises, you
should be able to:
1 2/22/15 7:49 AM
Health Fitness Corp., a provider of corporate health services based in Minneapolis, Min-
nesota, faced a challenging problem in human behavior. Top-level management was
looking for a smooth way to facilitate the shift to a new technology platform. Health Fit-
ness brought in the consulting firm Syndio Social of Chicago to help them map internal
social networks to identify employees with enough influence to help other employees
adapt to the new technology. The basic technique is referred to as social network analysis,
a way to map and measure the relationships and links among people and groups within
the organization. After a social network analysis is completed, the company has a good
idea of who is connected to whom, and how many contacts each member of the network
has established.
Health Fitness executives brought 30 influencers to offices in Lake Forest, Illinois. Each
one of these influential employees, as identified by social network analysis, received com-
munication training and advanced knowledge about the project so they could respond to
coworker questions and build excitement about the project. One feature of social network
analysis that appeals to a company such as Health Fitness is that the sphere of influence of
about 3 percent of the workforce can influence 85 to 90 percent of the workforce.
Chief Executive Paul Lotharious said that the influencers played an important role
in getting other workers on board with the new technology platform. Lotharious also
pointed out that having good network connections are not the only relevant qualifica-
tions for the influencers. They also need technical expertise and leadership skills.
The combination of being well-connected internally and having technical expertise
and leadership skills helped facilitate the successful implementation of an expensive
new technology platform. The new platform was thought necessary for meeting the high
expectations of Health Fitness clients.1
The story just presented illustrates how a company might make systematic use about
knowledge of human behavior, including a relevant technique, to enhance the functioning
of an organization. The purpose of this book is to present systematic knowledge about
people and organizations that can be used to enhance individual and organizational effec-
tiveness. Managers and potential managers are the most likely to apply this information.
Yet the same information is important for other workers, including corporate profession-
als, sales representatives, customer service specialists, and technical specialists.
In the modern organization, workers at every level do some of the work that was for-
merly the sole domain of managers. Team members, for example, are often expected to
motivate and train each other. One reason organizations get by with fewer managers than
previously is that workers themselves are now expected to manage themselves to some
extent. Self-management of this type includes the team scheduling its own work and mak-
ing recommendations for quality improvement.
In this chapter, we introduce organizational behavior from several perspectives. We
will explain the meaning of the term, see why organizational behavior is useful, and take
a brief glance at its history. After describing how to develop skills in organizational be-
havior, we present a framework for understanding the field. An important goal in studying
organizational behavior is to be able to make sense of any organization in which you are
placed, so that, for example, you might be able to answer the question: What is going on
here from a human standpoint?
2 2/22/15 7:49 AM
The Meaning of Organizational Behavior
Organizational behavior (OB) is the study of human
behavior in the workplace, of the interaction between
people and the organization, and of the organization
Boris Bulychev/Shutterstock.com
itself.2 The major goals of organizational behavior are
to explain, predict, and control behavior.
Explanation refers to describing the underlying rea-
sons or process by which phenomena occur. For ex-
ample, an understanding of leadership theory would
explain why one person is a more effective leader than
another. The same theory would help predict which
people (e.g., those having charismatic qualities) are
likely to be effective as leaders. Leadership theory
could also be useful in controlling (or influencing)
people. One leadership theory, for example, contends People engaged in highly technical work can also benefit from
that group members are more likely to be satisfied and knowledge of organizational behavior.
productive when the leader establishes good relation- organizational behavior (OB)
ships with them. The study of human behavior
in the workplace, the
Data Collection and Research Methods in Organizational Behavior interaction between people
and the organization, and the
To explain, predict, and control behavior, organizational-behavior specialists must collect organization itself.
information systematically and conduct research. The purpose of collecting data is to
conduct research.
Methods of Data Collection
Three frequently used methods of collecting data in organizational behavior are surveys, LEARNING OBJECTIVE 2
interviews, and direct observation of behavior. The survey questionnaire used by a spe- Summarize the research
cialist in organizational behavior is prepared rigorously. Before preparing a final ques- methods of organizational
tionnaire, a scientist collects relevant facts and generates hypotheses (educated guesses) behavior.
about important issues to explore. The questionnaire is carefully designed to measure rel-
evant issues about the topic being surveyed. For example, participants in a study might be
asked to evaluate their supervisor in various dimensions such as giving clear instructions
and showing compassion. Among the surveys included in this textbook is the self-quiz
about conscientiousness in Chapter 2.
Research about human behavior in the workplace relies heavily on the interview as a
method of data collection. Even when a questionnaire is the primary method of data col-
lection, interviews are usually used to obtain ideas for survey questions. Interviews are
also helpful in uncovering explanations about phenomena and furnishing leads for further
inquiry. Another advantage of interviews is that a skilled interviewer can probe for addi-
tional information. One disadvantage of the interview method is that skilled interviewers
are required.
Naturalistic observations refer to researchers placing themselves in the work en-
vironment to collect much information about organizational behavior. Systematic
observations are then made about the phenomena under study. One concern about
this method is that the people under observation may perform atypically when they
Celig/Shutterstock.com
3 2/22/15 7:49 AM
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
The Project Gutenberg eBook of The works of the
Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 04 (of 32)
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United
States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away
or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License
included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you
are not located in the United States, you will have to check the
laws of the country where you are located before using this
eBook.
Title: The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 04 (of 32)
Language: English
This book was written in a period when many words had not
become standardized in their spelling. Words may have
multiple spelling variations or inconsistent hyphenation in
the text. These have been left unchanged unless indicated
with a Transcriber’s Note.
WORKS
OF THE
Volume IV.
BRISTOL:
Printed by WILLIAM PINE, in Wine-Street
MDCCLXXI.
THE
CONTENTS
Of the Fourth Volume.
SERMONS on several Occasions.
SERMON XLVIII.
On Self-denial.
Luke ix. 23. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me,
let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
SERMON XLIX.
Matt. xviii. 15, 16, 17. If thy brother shall sin against thee, go and tell
him his fault between thee and him alone: if he will hear thee, thou
hast gained thy brother.
But if he will not hear, take with thee one or two more, that by the
mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established.
And if he will not hear them, tell it to the church: but if he will not hear
the church, let him be to thee as an Heathen man and a Publican.
SERMON L.
Luke xvi. 9. I say unto you, make unto yourselves friends of the
mammon of righteousness, that when ye fail, they may receive
you into the everlasting habitations.
SERMON LI.
SERMON LII.
Psalm xciv. 16. Who will rise up with me against the wicked?
SERMON LIII.
Numb. xxiii. 10. Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last
end be like his!
CHAP. I.
CHAP. II.
CHAP. III.
CHAP. IV.
CHAP. V.
CHAP. VI.
CHAP. VII.
Directions to servants.
CHAP. I.
CHAP. II.
CHAP. III.
CHAP. IV.
CHAP. V.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
I
1. T has been frequently imagined, that the direction here given,
related chiefly, if not wholly to the apostles: at least to the
Christians of the first ages, or those in a state of persecution. But this
is a grievous mistake: for although our blessed Lord is here directing
his discourse more immediately to his apostles, and those other
disciples who attended him in the days of his flesh, yet in them he
speaks to us, and to all mankind, without any exception or limitation.
The very reason of the thing puts it beyond dispute, that the duty
which is here enjoined, is not peculiar to them, or to the Christians of
the early ages. It no more regards any particular order of men, or
particular time, than any particular country. No: it is of the most
universal nature, respecting all times and all persons. Yea, and all
things: not meats and drinks only, and things pertaining to the
senses. The meaning is, If any man, of whatever rank, station,
circumstances, in any nation, in any age of the world, will effectually
come after me, let him deny himself in all things: let him take up his
cross, of whatever kind, yea and that daily, and follow me.
2. The denying ourselves and the taking up our cross, in the full
extent of the expression, is not a thing of small concern: it is not
expedient only, as are some of the circumstantials of religion; but it is
absolutely, indispensably necessary, either to our becoming, or
continuing his disciples. It is absolutely necessary, in the very nature
of the thing, to our coming after him and following him. Insomuch
that as far as we do not practise it, we are not his disciples. If we do
not continually deny ourselves, we do not learn of him, but of other
masters. If we do not take up our cross daily, we do not come after
him: but after the world, or the prince of the world, or our own fleshly
mind. If we are not walking in the way of the cross, we are not
following him; we are not treading in his steps, but going back from,
or at least wide of him.
3. This reason for self-denial must hold, even with regard to the
angels of God in heaven: and with regard to man, innocent and holy,
as he came out of the hands of his Creator. But a farther reason for it
arises, from the condition wherein all men are since the fall. We are
all now shapen in wickedness, and in sin did our mother conceive
us. Our nature is altogether corrupt, in every power and faculty. And
our will, depraved equally with the rest, is wholly bent to indulge our
natural corruption. On the other hand, it is the will of God, that we
resist and counter-act that corruption, not at some times, or in some
things only, but at all times, and in all things. Here therefore is a
farther ground for constant and universal self-denial.
6. On the whole then, to deny ourselves is, to deny our own will,
where it does not fall in with the will of God, and that, however
pleasing it may be: it is, to deny ourselves any pleasure which does
not spring from, and lead to God: that is, in effect to refuse going out
of our way, though into a pleasant, flowry path: to refuse what we
know to be deadly poison, though agreeable to the taste.
7. And every one that would follow Christ, that would be his real
disciple, must not only deny himself, but take up his cross also. A
cross is, any thing contrary to our will, any thing displeasing to our
nature. So that taking up our cross goes a little farther than denying
ourselves: it rises a little higher, and is a more difficult task to flesh
and blood: it being more easy, to forego pleasure, than to endure
pain.
10. In the latter kind, the means to heal a sin-sick soul, to cure a
foolish desire, an inordinate affection, are often painful, not in the
nature of the thing, but from the nature of the disease. So when our
Lord said to the rich young man, Go sell that thou hast and give it to
the poor, (as well knowing, this was the only means of healing his
covetousness) the very thought of it gave him so much pain, that he
went away sorrowful: chusing rather to part with his hope of heaven,
than his possessions on earth. This was a burden he could not
consent to lift, a cross he would not take up. And in the one kind or
the other every follower of Christ will surely have need to take up his
cross daily.
11. The taking up differs a little from bearing his cross. We are
then properly said to bear our cross, when we endure what is laid
upon us without our choice, with meekness and resignation.
Whereas we do not properly take up our cross, but when we
voluntarily suffer what it is in our power to avoid: when we willingly
embrace the will of God, though contrary to our own: when we chuse
what is painful, because it is the will of our wise and gracious
Creator.
13. In all this we may easily conceive our blessed Lord to act as
the physician of our souls, not merely for his own pleasure, but for
our profit that we may be partakers of his holiness. If in searching
our wounds he puts us to pain, it is only in order to heal them. He
cuts away what is putrified or unsound, in order to preserve the
sound part. And if we freely chuse the loss of a limb, rather than the
whole body should perish, how much more should we chuse,
figuratively, to cut off a right-hand, rather than the whole soul should
be cast into hell?
14. We see plainly then both the nature and ground, of taking up
our cross. It does not imply the ♦ disciplining ourselves (as some
speak) the literally tearing our own flesh: the wearing haircloth, or
iron girdles, or any thing else that would impair our bodily health:
(although we know not what allowance God may make for those,
who acts thus through involuntary ignorance:) but the embracing the
will of God, tho’ contrary to our own; the chusing wholesome, tho’
bitter, medicines: the freely accepting temporary pain, of whatever
kind, and in whatever degree, when it is either essentially or
accidentally necessary to eternal pleasure.
2. A few instances will make this plain. A man hears the word
which is able to save his soul. He is well pleased with what he hears,
acknowledges the truth, and is a little affected by it. Yet he remains
dead in trespasses and sins, senseless and unawakened. Why is
this? Because he will not part with his bosom-sin, tho’ he now knows
it is an abomination unto the Lord. He came to hear, full of lust and
unholy desire: and he will not part with them. Therefore no deep
impression is made upon him, but his foolish heart is still hardened:
that is, he is still senseless and unawakened, because he will not
deny himself.
4. But this is not the case with all. We have many instances of
those, who when once awakened sleep no more. The impressions
once received, do not wear away; they are not only deep, but lasting.
And yet many of these have not found what they seek: they mourn,
and yet are not comforted. Now why is this? It is because they do not
bring forth fruits meet for repentance: because they do not according
to the grace they have received, cease from evil, and do good. They
do not cease from the easily besetting sin, the sin of their
constitution, of their education, or of their profession. Or they omit
doing the good they may, and know they ought to do, because of
some disagreeable circumstances attending it: that is, they do not
attain faith, because they will not deny themselves, or take up their
cross.
5. “But this man did receive the heavenly gift. He did taste of the
powers of the world to come. He saw the light of the glory of God, in
the face of Jesus Christ. The peace which passeth all understanding,
did rule his heart and mind; and the love of God was shed abroad
therein, by the Holy Ghost which was given unto him. Yet he is now
weak as another man. He again relishes the things of earth, and has
more taste for the things which are seen, than for those which are
not seen. The eye of his understanding is closed again, so that he
cannot see him that is invisible. His love is waxed cold, and the
peace of God no longer rules in his heart. And no marvel: for he has
again given place to the devil, and grieved the Holy Spirit of God. He
has turned again unto folly, to some pleasing sin, if not in outward
act, yet in heart.” He has given place to pride, or anger, or desire; to
self-will, or stubbornness. Or he did not stir up the gift of God which
was in him; he gave way to spiritual sloth, and would not be at the
pains of praying always, and watching thereunto with all
perseverance. That is, he made shipwreck of the faith, for want of
self-denial and taking up his cross daily.