The still, tranquil lake in my photograph above is a reminder that as followers of Christ, we also should be still and serene and calm. God can show you by His Holy Spirit the right attitude you should have.....a Christ-like attitude.
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 2:5 (KJV)
"Make your own attitude that of Jesus Christ." - Philippians 2:5 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
If you read your Bible daily and pray daily, you cannot help but gain a good attitude. God's Word has power ! I remember how easily agitated I used to get over even the slightest little upset. This was many years ago before I was born again. Prayer draws you closer to God, and so does daily Bible reading. You learn of Jesus' attributes from the Holy Word, and thereby you can learn to imitate the Savior. The Lord changed my attitude by renewing my mind with His Word and His Holy Spirit.
"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children." - Ephesians 5:1
Children love to imitate their parents in words as well as in actions Believers are children of God and should also imitate Him. Jesus was all about love. He was patient and kind and had compassion for people. His love was so great that He willingly died and bled for our sins, so that we might, by believing in Him and in His resurrection, have eternal life.
Be loving, be humble, be patient. In other words, exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit found at Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Most Christians are familiar with what I have just stated and are familiar with the Scriptures that I quoted here. But not all that read this blog are Christians. The purpose of my writing is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to share Bible Prophecy that is coming true now in these last days we are living in.
Back to attitude. Remember, we chose what attitude to have on any given day or circumstance. It is an ongoing choice, daily. Someone once said, "The choice to rejoice leads to an attitude of gratitude." We all have heard that "Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent of how you respond to it." Attitude !
Another very important attitude is that of forgiveness. We cannot be bitter and angry and resentful and expect the Lord to bless us when we have that sort of an attitude. God has forgiven us of so much, shouldn't we do the same for others !!
"Persistence in prayer for someone we don't like, however much it goes against the grain to begin with, brings about a remarkable change in attitude." - F. F. Bruce
If you make it your goal to please the Lord, that alone will remarkably change your attitude. Endeavor to help others as much as possible. Do not be selfish and self-centered. Focus on Jesus and imitate Him.
Read Acts 5:40-42 where the apostles were beaten and were commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus. Verse 41 says, "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." And what did they do? They went again and continued to preach and teach about Jesus (verse 42). Talk about courage and zeal and boldness! The early apostles were even willing to die for Jesus and the preaching of His Gospel. How many Christians today are willing to do the same? One commentator has said, "Wherefore, it is no marvel that there be so few found which are strong and stout to bear the cross, because we are almost all drowned and overwhelmed with the sense of the flesh; and there is scarce one amongst an hundred which considereth that the reproach of Christ doth far excel all the triumphs of the world, which is the only matter of comfort. Wherefore, we must use the greater diligence in thinking upon this sentence; that we are at this day made partakers of "the sufferings of Christ, that we may be partakers of His glory"
We are all imperfect, and make mistakes and need guidance. Let that guidance come from the Lord through prayer and through His Holy Word. My prayer is that you develop a close, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Do that and see how your attitude is improved, You will think more about wholesome and good things, positive things.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -
Philippians 4:8
