We have a house inspection tomorrow, so I have been busy cleaning all day in preparation for it. The thing is, I wouldn't say I like house inspections. It's the downside of leaving your own house on the other side of the country and moving 4000km away.
However, as I was scrubbing the white tiles on our patio that someone had decided was a good idea to put there, I thought about all the things I could be thinking and praying over if I kept my attitude in check and chose to be cheerful and productive rather than grumpy and resentful about all the work it is keeping white tiles clean.
The truth is life and how joyful and positive we are hinges greatly on our attitude. Our attitude determines our altitude and how far and long we can go in life, and it's not something that happens to us; we are the ones responsible for its architecture.
Paul in the bible is an example of a man with a great attitude. Actually, this man had an amazing attitude. He suffered persecution, rejection, beatings, abuse, and ridicule, not to mention being stoned and suffering through shipwrecks, imprisonment, and deadly snake bites. (2 Corinthians 11:23-29)
Paul's words in Philippians 4:4 are instructive on how to journey well through life and appeal to us to rejoice at all times. "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do."
Paul wrote those words whilst in prison, and the word joy or rejoice occurs 16 times in this one letter. He'd discovered that when he was weakest, then he was, in fact, the strongest. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
How could he say this? Because he discovered the secret of facing every situation and circumstance with a great attitude. He said, "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13)
The secret to his great attitude was that Paul recognised how much He had in his relationship with Jesus.
He said, "I consider everything rubbish compared to the greatness of knowing Jesus". (Philippians 3:8)
We become what we behold, so a key to any attitude adjustment is to look to Jesus and let His great attitude become yours. When you focus on that relationship and not primarily on your circumstances, then your perspective and attitudes change from negative to positive and from unbelief and fear to faith and hope.
If you realise you need an attitude adjustment today, there is good news. Attitudes can change! We are works in progress and God's masterpiece, and He promises that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1: 6)
Instead of seeking a problem-free life, seek after Jesus and His promises and how He wants you to journey through every situation and challenge you face.
Today I encourage you to check your attitude and where your thoughts and heart are focused. Spend time in God's presence, and allow Him to shine His light on what is happening down on the inside of you.
Determine to celebrate your life and what you do have already, and be thankful that you can know and have a relationship with Jesus and the future he has for you. Allow him to shift toxic attitudes, bring healing, lasting change, and an amazing attitude towards life and those you share it with.
For "happy are the people whose God is the Lord". (Psalm 144:15)
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that in you I can have a great attitude. Please help me in all circumstances to know that you are with me and work within my heart, removing any attitude in me that is not pleasing to you as you show me a better way. I want to live with a great attitude. in Jesus name Amen.
コメント