Our attitude determines how high, far and long we can go in life, for we are who we are because of the attitudes of our heart.
Which leads us to ask ourselves, “In all our doing, what is our attitude”? Attitudes are important to God and He does looks at ours. Man is prone to look at the external, but God looks at the internal because the attitude of our hearts is the real us.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” ((1 Samuel 16:7)
I always think it’s great to study and draw lessons from those who do things well. We can then apply what we learn from them to our own life.
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, suffering through shipwrecks, imprisonment and deadly snake bites. (2 Corinthians 11:23-29)
Paul’s words in Philippians 4 is an exhortation for 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.
Paul 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. He said. “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)
Paul recognised how much He had in his relationship with Jesus. That was his secret to a great attitude. His abiding strength and contentment was found in a living, vibrant, close relationship with Jesus. He said “ I consider everything rubbish compared to the greatness of knowing Jesus”. (Philippians 3:8)
That was the key to why Paul had a great attitude. He recognised the privilege of knowing and having this relationship. He had lost everything to have it. He’d been a “high flying”, who’s who of his community and been respected and important. Yet he states emphatically that it was all rubbish in comparison to what he had in knowing Jesus.
In contrast to many of us today, Paul knew what he had! He knew that all the prestige and success in the world meant nothing compared to what he had found in Jesus and the life he had in Him. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life” (Matthew 16:26)
Paul celebrated that all day. It was integral to his great attitude. He said, “celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him”! (Philippians 4:4-5 – Message translation) That relationship strengthened him and because of his great attitude and his refusal to be miserable, I think Paul touched God’s heart.
How’s your attitude? How is it at work, school, towards your parents, family, other relationships, and towards God. How is your attitude when pressure comes?
Its easy to have a great attitude when things are going our way. But what is our attitude truly on the inside? When we are under pressure, stressed, disappointed or in pain?
If you have realised you need an attitude adjustment there is good news for you. Attitudes can change! We are works in progress. Gods 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)
Today begin to cultivate a great attitude. Start to celebrate your life and what you do have already. Celebrate the fact that you can know and have a relationship with Jesus and that He has a future for you. We become what we behold, so a key to any attitude adjustment is to look to Jesus and let His great attitude become ours.
Prayer: Lord thank you that in you I can have a great attitude. Please help me to celebrate knowing you, having life, hope and your forgiveness. Help me in all circumstances to know that you are with me and will lead me, even if that means at times I may need an attitude adjustment. In Jesus name Amen
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