The Importance Of One's Attitude

As I take Delainey to kindergarten each morning we have a four point recitation that we go through. We say, “May we possess a mind for learning, a heart of kindness, an attitude of obedience, and a spirit for excellence.” One of my first questions to her as she arrives home in the afternoon is, “How well did you fulfill your request?” We then go over our four points and she informs me of the ways she believed she was in compliance. I am sure in due time she will turn the tables on me and ask me to tell her the ways that I complied as well. Kayla, our second semester university freshman already does!

We realize that there are very few things in life that we can control. Life is not fair. Sometimes life is much better to us than we could ever imagine. At other times we think how could it possibly be any worse.

What I do know is that we can control our attitude. We can take what life brings us on a daily basis with the determination that by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit we can govern how we will respond to whatever does or does not happen. Many times the difference between a good day and a bad day is our attitude.

Let’s be very deliberate about taking ownership of our attitude and controlling it so that we live a more rewarding and fulfilling life. We begin the process by submitting our attitude to God. We must apply discipline to our thought life by submitting our thoughts to those of Christ. A good and proper attitude is a matter of faith, it necessitates disregarding your feelings, with a determination to embrace God’s outlook and disposition. 2 Corinthians 10:5 states "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…"

Equip and feed your attitudes with the things of God. Dwell on the things that God’s Word tells us to — those good and virtuous things. If you dwell on the negative, your attitude will reflect the same.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things."

We must desire a mind for learning by developing a listening ear to the Spirit as He teaches us the things of God. Seize the many opportunities that you have on a daily basis to demonstrate a heart of kindness to others. Act in obedience to the things that you know are true and just. Finally, whatever you do, do it with a spirit of excellence for God’s glory.

Bring your attitude into compliance with God’s Word. Apply discipline to your thought life — submit your thoughts to those of Christ’s. A good attitude is a matter of faith, disregarding your feelings, with a determination to embrace God’s outlook and disposition.

By being cognizant of your attitude and controlling its desires, I am confident that you will have many more good days than you will have bad days. Jesus said this to you, “I am come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly” (John10:10).

Live life in Christ and live life to its fullest!