We tackled desire. We’ve been challenged by intentionality. Now it’s time to look at attitude. It may seem similar to desire, but it is different. Desire is the fuel that leads to intentional action – attitude is the way we carry out the action. When we talk about attitude we are talking about the state of our heart.
Jesus cares about attitude. When Jesus spoke with the Pharisees (religious leaders of that day and age), He often spoke about attitude. The Pharisees practiced the letter of the law quite well, but they missed the heart completely. Often, their motivation for obedience was to be seen and complimented by men. It was also to earn God’s favor. Jesus saw that they had an issue with attitude and motivation – they had an issue with their hearts.
We have 2 issues with attitude. One is when we approach life with a bad attitude that leads to an ungodly action. This might happen when you are driving, or when your order gets delivered to you incorrectly, or when someone lets you down. Our attitude is often negative and can lead to harsh words and disobedience. The other problem with attitude is when we do the right thing but with a poor attitude. This might happen when responding to your spouse (or your parents), when serving in a particular ministry or when gathering on a Sunday to worship as a community. We might be doing the right thing, but with the wrong attitude.
God speaks through Paul very clearly when He says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 2:5) In this passage, He is directly talking about the attitude of humility. We are called to live life with humility. This attitude directly applies to driving, eating out, responding to let-downs, dealing with our spouse and more.
But let’s look at another passage in Psalm 119.
“I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word.” (vv. 14-16)
Along with humility, a godly attitude includes contentment and joy. These are reflected in David’s words in this Psalm. This is the way God wants us to follow Him. Not reluctantly - not feeling we are coerced. He wants us to rejoice as we walk in His ways – for He has set our hearts free.
So we make this our prayer. God, change in me what I am powerless to change myself. Change my attitude, and make it like the attitude of Jesus. Help me to fix my mind on the things that are honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent and worthy of praise! (Phil 4:8)
Hope you share your thoughts and insights for the benefit of others...
Posted on
Mon, October 12, 2009
by Jonathan Goeke