ATTITUDE

You must have the same ATTITUDE that Christ Jesus had – Philippians 2:5 (New Living Translation)

Welcome to the month of April! The Keyword for the month is ATTITUDE. Our Father’s agenda this month is to work on our Attitudes for His Praise and Glory! The word “attitude” is common in our conversations. It may be used as a complaint or a compliment, and could mean the difference between promotion and demotion; between success and failure. When we evaluate someone, we often note whether the individual has a good or bad attitude. When considering hiring or firing an employee, employers really consider an employee's attitude. Sometimes we sense it, other times we see it. Yet it is difficult to explain. Today, we focus on knowing what attitude is, relative to experiencing a fulfilled life in Christ.

ATTITUDE is your Posture or Approach to something in life. It is the way you look at things; what you think about them or about life in general. It is your opinion, response or reaction toward people, circumstances or things – your stance and perspective on life. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines “attitude” as “an internal position or feeling with regard to something else.” Synonyms of Attitude include: disposition, frame of mind, mood, opinion, outlook, perspective, sentiment, temper, tone, or view. John C. Maxwell describes attitude as “an inward feeling expressed by behaviour”. An attitude can thus be seen without a word being spoken. Our expression is perhaps the most important of all the things we wear. When one becomes a Christian, a part of the new creation is the development of new attitudes in the likeness of Christ. Philippians 2:5 says, “Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ” (Living Bible).

The Amplified Version of Philippians 2:5 says, “Have this same ATTITUDE in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility].” The New International Version says: “have the same MINDSET as Christ Jesus.” What was the attitude in Him? Jesus demonstrated a positive and perfect attitude in every situation – an attitude of humility. For example, He prayed about everything and worried about nothing. His attitude was never to be defensive or discouraged. His goal was to please the Father rather than to achieve His own agenda (Jh.6:38). In the midst of trials, He was patient. In the midst of suffering, He was hopeful. In the midst of blessing, He was humble. Even in the midst of abuse, hostility, and ridicule, He “never answered back when insulted; when He suffered He did not threaten to get even; He left His case in the hands of God who always judges fairly” (1Pet.2:23).

John C. Maxwell scripted these profound words about Attitude:

It is the “advance man” of our true selves.

Its roots are inward but its fruit is outward.

It is our best friend or our worst enemy.

It is more honest and more consistent than our words.

It is an outward look based on past experiences.

It is a thing which draws people to us or repels them.

It is never content until it is expressed.

It is the librarian of our past.

It is the speaker of our present.

It is the prophet of our future.

Are you ready for life-transforming encounters and the reshaping of your Attitude for God's Glory?