Just what is an attitude? Simply put it is the way you think and feel about someone or something. Attitudes can affect a person’s emotions, actions, and behavior and in the long run a person’s entire way of life.
The following two quotes by Pastor Charles R. Swindoll should show you just how important having the right attitude can be: “I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me, my circumstances, or my position.”1 “Attitude keeps me going or cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hopes. When my attitudes are right, there is no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, no challenge too great for me.”2
It is so important to understand that while we often cannot control or choose our circumstances we always can choose our attitude toward them. And as Christians we can refuse to let our situation determine our attitude.
Some of the ways we can cultivate the right attitude can be found by reading and applying biblical principles to our circumstances. Below are several suggestions to help you foster a positive attitude no matter what you may be going through:
Joy or sorrow
Did you know that it is God’s will that we always rejoice and give Him thanks.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) says: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” A joyful and thankful heart will energize your attitude in a very positive way. And this advice applies even when we are going through difficult times, for we read in (James 1:2): “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” Rejoicing through trials builds our faith and trust in God knowing that: “…all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28). When we are going through trials we can either complain or become sorrowful or rejoice and bring glory to God. The choice is up to us.
Peace or worry
Having the right attitude is the great antidote for worry. (Philippians 4:6-7) puts it beautifully: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Worry is an attitude we need to banish from our way of thinking. And the more we rejoice, pray, and give God thanks, in all situations, the more peace will flood our hearts and minds. (Psalm 55:22) tells us to: “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Our attitude should always be to train our minds to trust Jesus in all circumstances. When we do this the Bible promises us great peace. (Isaiah 26:3) is a promise we should always treasure in our heart: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
Approval or disapproval
So often what other people think of us or say about us determines our attitude toward the people we interact with. But as Christians we are called to love others whether they treat us fairly or not. In human terms this is not possible but remember Jesus lives inside of us and as such we can have a positive attitude even when we are mistreated and verbally abused. It’s just a fact of life that some people will approve of our beliefs and behavior while others will not. The key is to realize that when we live for Jesus and follow in his footsteps we will garner His approval – and nothing can be more wonderful than that. I love what Pastor David Jeremiah said about approval: “If you are a Christian, your search for approval should be over.”3 While it is great to get the praises of man nothing can compare with God telling us how much He loves us.
So, what’s your attitude going to be today? While we often can’t completely control our emotions we can determine our attitude. Ultimately we can either choose to let people and circumstances control our attitude or let Jesus help us to manifest a constant attitude of gratitude. That choice is up to you!
1 https://www.azquotes.com/author/14373-Charles_R_Swindoll/tag/attitude
2 https://www.azquotes.com/author/14373-Charles_R_Swindoll/tag/attitude
3 TOP 25 QUOTES BY DAVID JEREMIAH (of 243) | A-Z Quotes (azquotes.com)
Very good reminder. Thank you!