Don’t you just hate it when someone has a really bad attitude? Our relationships are significantly affected by our own attitudes and of those we interact with.
We are not always able to control circumstances (what happens to us and around us), but we can usually control how we respond to the circumstances we find ourselves in.
We are responsible for our attitudes.
Our attitude is a choice. Yes we have certain personalities but we can always choose how to respond instead of just reacting in fear, frustration and desperation.
Your attitude has a lot to do with the orientation or state of your mind. It is important how you think, because this will largely determine how you respond.
When we have the right attitude, it helps us live at the right altitude, and this produces a healthy atmosphere.
What is the correct attitude for us to love as Christians? Paul summed it up well in Ephesians 4: 20-32:
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.
21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,
22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbours the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing, instead, use your hands for good, hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour.
32 Instead be kind to each other, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Note that in verse 23 we are encouraged to let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. It is a journey. We are all works in progress. Thank God He is not finished with us yet. We need to replace bitterness, rage, anger and harsh words with tender forgiveness and love.
We forgive others because God has forgiven us through Christ.
Do you want to enjoy all the blessings God has for you?
Then you need to let Him, through the Holy Spirit, renew your thoughts and attitudes. He will not do it without your co-operation.
In the Old Testaments, we are told that Caleb entered into the promised land because he had a different attitude.
Numbers 14: 23-24
23 They will never see the land I swore to give their ancestors. None of those who have treated me with contempt will ever see it. 24 But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land.
One way I get my attitude right is by remembering how much God has done for me. He has loved, blessed and forgiven me when I have not deserved it. I am grateful for His mercy……. and that shifts my focus and changes my perspective.