Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other.
Love each other as brothers and sisters.
Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)
Series Focus: “Cleaning House”
You can change your whole life if you change your attitude. Do you believe this? Think about it this way—your attitude is the mental posture you adopt toward whatever is happening in your life. The way we decide how we are going to approach and think about the situations that are going on around us sets our attitudes. Too often we allow negativity, unhealthy opinions, or un-Christlike viewpoints to seep into our minds. When this happens, our attitudes may move into a downward spiral quickly.
Are you someone who feels like a little black rain-cloud is hovering over you? Or do you choose to adopt a position of positivity as often as possible? Allowing a bad mood to rule your attitude often leads to a place of discouragement. If this is a repeated behavior, we end up taking others down with us. Please don’t hear me wrong, I am not suggesting we “fake” a positive attitude or pretend everything is alright all the time. There will be moments our souls need a restoration from the Lord, a kind word from a friend, or help from a counselor—especially during times of hurting or grieving. In any circumstance, our attitude will determine what our mouths speak, our face reveals, or the actions we take.
Do you find it difficult to build long-lasting friendships? Our mental outlook will also influence our relationships. Think about how you approach conversations and the topics you choose to focus on. Most of us are drawn to people offering uplifting or encouraging words. With joyful spirits, they will lend a hand, and their lives are full of the fruit of the Spirit. Jesus is our perfect example of each of these. In Philippians 2:3-5 Paul writes,
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (NLT)
The SAME attitude, outlook, point of view as your precious Savior. If you look at the life of Jesus, while on Earth, you will never find a moment when selfishness, or pride led His decisions. He didn’t take things personal or give anyone the silent treatment for not doing things His way. Scripture tells us Jesus had emotions. He became angry, sad, and spoke firmly—but He always set His mind upon His Father. Therefore, His demeanor always reflected the image of God. We too can adjust our mindset to reflect the attitude of Christ.
In Ephesians 4:21-24 Paul teaches,
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Seize this opportunity to take an inventory of your inner posture. God will reveal the places in your life that might need a new frame of mind. Let your outward demeanor shine brighter for Christ. Pray for the ability to look at others as Jesus did—through His Father’s eyes. The best way to help others see Christ isn’t to tell them you are a Christian, it is to show them. Your perspective affects your attitude, and your attitude affects the way you let others see Jesus is the leader of your life. Grab a bucket and a mop, it’s time for a cleanup on our attitudes today.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT)
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scriptures References: 1 Peter 3:8; Philippians 2:3-5, 4:8; Ephesians 4:21-24; Psalm 19:14