Two Different Types of Attitudes
How important it is that Christians have the right attitude? Attitude greatly affects one’s relationship with God. A proper attitude is demonstrated through proper obedience and service to God. Examine the following attitudes and see which ones you possess:
IT WILL NOT WORK . If it is scriptural, it does work –‐ if we will use ourselves in God’s vineyard. There is no stronger positive plan that God’s plan. Those who try to believe God’s ways of doing things believe God. (Col. 3:17)
WE TRIED THAT BEFORE . If it is scriptural, keep trying. Just because something has been tried once or twice or even three times, it does not mean the plan fails. It means we have not worked the plan diligently.
IT CANNOT BE DONE . This is a brother or sister pessimist! They can give five to ten excuses that tend to discourage and hold back the Lord’s work. But with God on our side, it can and will be done (Rom. 8:31; Phil. 4:13).
LET US DO IT LATER . ‘Boy o’ boy,” how this must please old Satan. If we put spiritual matters off long enough, the devil knows we will have eternity to spend with him! (Prov. 27:1; Matt. 25:26).
YOU DO IT. This is the attitude of the brother/sister scapegoat. He tries to “pass the buck.” He does his/her best to push off his/her responsibility onto someone else. You know, Eve tried this (Gen. 2).
I WILL DO WHAT I CAN . This attitude is expressed and demonstrated by Christians who are willing to use their talents. They gladly do what they can when they can (1 Cor. 15:58).
I HAVE FAITH WE CAN DO IT. That is great! This attitude rubs off on others and causes others to see that their faith can grow also. After all, diligent faith pleases God (Heb. 11:6).
I WANT TO HELP . O’ how God must love to hear this positive attitude expressed. Wanting to serve God is the key foundation to rendering proper service.
IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT . This attitude means those who believe this, pray and labor to see that things do work out to God’s glory. How we need more brethren that think this way (1 Thess. 1:2-3).
WE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL . Brethren who feel this way will not allow the devil, trials, or heartaches to stop them. They will (with God’s help) press onward and upward (Phil. 3:13-14).
Which attitudes do you express by your mouth and influence? May God help us to remove negative thinking from our lives. May we be more involved and more dedicated, because after all, we do not want to possess any attitude that would hinder the work and worship of the Lord’s church.