Your attitude has a direct effect concerning what you are able to learn about your Christian faith. In fact, your attitude has everything to do with what you learn about your Christian faith. Even Jesus needed the right attitude before he could leave the glories of heaven and come to earth to accomplish his work as our Savior.
Phil 2:1-18
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life — in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Both the hummingbird and the vulture fly over our nation's deserts. All vultures see is rotting meat, because that is what they look for. They thrive on that diet. But humming-birds ignore the smelly flesh of dead animals. Instead, they look for the colorful blossoms of desert plants. The vultures live on what was. They live on the past. They fill themselves with what is dead and gone. But hummingbirds live on what is. They seek new life. They fill themselves with freshness and life. Each bird finds what it is looking for. We all do by the character quality of our attitude – is yours the same as that of Christ Jesus?.
Philippians 4:8 gives us a great place to start in forming the kind of attitude every Christian should have.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.
True — think about it. John 14:6-7, John 8:32
(Gk. “alethe”) It means actual, true to fact, conforming to reality, factual.
It means not false and has its norm in God.
Noble — think about it. Rev 19:11-16, II Tim 2:20
(Gk. “semnos”) It means a noble seriousness, worthy of reverence.
It means dignified, serious – in speech and behavior.
Right — think about it. Josh 1:7-9, Romans 7:15-25a
(Gk. “dikaios”) It means that which is in conformity to God’s standards.
It means “just, fair, that which is in harmony with God’s will and law
Pure — think about it. Matt 5:8, James 1:26-27
(Gk. “hagna”) It means wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity.
It means not defiled or contaminated, free from fault/sin/evil.
Lovely — think about it. Ps 84:1-4, I John 4:10-12
(Gk. “prosphile”) It means what promotes peace rather than conflict.
It means “that which inspires love.
Admirable — think about it. Rev. 4:9-11, James 3:9-12
Gk. “euphema”) It means what is positive and constructive, admirable.
It means uttering words of good report.
Excellent — think about it. Ps 34:8, I Peter 2:1-3
(Gk. “arete”) It means virtue; good in it.
It means moral/spiritual excellence; virtue.
Praiseworthy — think about it. Ps 78:1-4, I Chron 16:25-31
(Gk. “Axiέpainos”) Anything worthy of praise.
Has there been a thought or an event in your life that helped changed your attitude for the better? After reading the words above what area of improvement do you see for yourself concerning your attitude that might help you learn about or grow in your Christian faith?
From the Heart,
Pastor Jeff Cooper
Great post. I have an experience that changed my attitude greatly. I was reading a book Titled "Never Walk These Halls Alone" The author is a nurse, like myslef, who writes about her experiences with God in her work. She was explaining a case of child abuse. Her attitude towards the abuser was one of anger, and disgust. She was thinking on how this person should be punished to the fullest extent. She then describes a moment that still gives me goosebumps. She stated that the Lord spoke to her and stated Why do you judge this man so, did I not die for his sins, as much as yours?" That statement hit me like a ton of bricks. Jesus died for all. I sat there and tears filled my eyes of how my attitudes towards others that I deemed wrong, or sinful were just as wrong. My ATTITUDE changed tremdously at that moment. I try not to judge, or have a judgemental attitude, rather I try to turn to prayer. Prayers of thankfullness for Jesus' scrafice for all.
ReplyDeleteWow Whitney, what a life changing moment. We all need a moment like that when we realize all sin receives the death penalty. As well we all need a moment when we realize the only freedom from sin, it's hold on us and the poenalty due, is through faith in Jesus. Thank you for sharing such an awesome experience.
ReplyDeleteConfronting my bad attitude is never a pleasant thing to do, but Mike Redman's comments really made me stop and think about some issues I've been harboring. Always amazing how God works in our lives. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteKay