We’ve all heard and may have even used the expression, “You’ve got an ATTITUDE!.” It is always a reference to a not so nice attitude. But the fact is everyone has an attitude. Each of us choose what our attitude is. Our attitude determines how we respond or react to our environment. Every day can hold events we will have no warning of, nor control over. But we do have control over 1 thing- our ATTITUDE. It will determine whether we are full of joy or anger, smile or pout.
So, I’ve decided this new year to have as my goal an ATTITUDE pleasing to GOD. The pattern I’ve chosen to follow is JESUS.
Philippians 2:5 Let this ATTITUDE that was in CHRIST JESUS be in you.
Philippians 2:6 who didn’t grasp at HIS rights
Philippians 2:7 but laid aside HIS power and glory, HE took the very nature of a servant
Philippians 2:8 humbled HIMSELF and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross.
1-The words “Let this attitude be in you” says it isn’t automatic. It won’t just happen. I must deliberately choose to adopt JESUS’ attitude over any snide innuendoes from the enemy. And believe me the liar can sound more like me than me when stating that I have a right to have an ATTITUDE!
2-How can I say, “it isn’t fair,” for what in JESUS life on earth was fair? Nor will I demand my rights but will deny putting myself 1st but rather choose to consider others needs and feelings 1st (Matthew 16:24) just as JESUS did.
3-Though tempted to have a pity party and balk at cleaning up a mess someone else made, I need to look to JESUS who never sinned, even became sin for us that we might be made righteous of GOD in HIM (I Corinthians 5:21). HE cleaned up our messes because we couldn’t.
4-Carefully I need to stop, listen and consider the suggestions of someone less experienced, less educated, and less trained than me. JESUS- ONE of the eternal triune GODhead, Creator of the heavens and earth- was raised by poor uneducated Joseph and Mary. Yet our LORD JESUS CHRIS the eternal GOD, the LORD of hosts submitted to them and did what they told HIM to do (Luke 2:51).
5- JESUS never said or did anything without first consulting GOD our heavenly FATHER and said over and over that HE could do nothing on HIS own (John 5:19,30). The TRINITY works as a team. Therefore, I am determined to acknowledge GOD in all things (Proverbs 3:5-7) for JESUS says that without HIM I can do nothing (of any eternal value) (John 15:5). Just as the head directs the toe to move, I need to get my directions before I speak and act.
6-I need always to be ready to obey the clear directives GOD gives both in HIS word and through HIS nudges. For it is GOD who places HIS desires (knowing what I should do) within me and gives me the power to do what HE wants me to do. (Philippians 2:13). I simply need to obey those nudges and do what I know I should do at all times. That is working out into my daily life that which GOD has placed within me (Philippians 2:12)..
7-It is written that JESUS had to suffer in order to lead many to salvation (Hebrews 2:10). Notice that word lead? One can only lead if some are following HIM. I find it helpful to thank HIM for my challenges (Ephesians 5:20) as a gift to serve and allow my suffering to be a means to help another (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Somehow that really changes my attitude.
I have not attained it yet, but this one thing I know, as I take one step at a time, calling on the LORD to help me (Hebrews 4:16) I will make progress for “Faithful is HE who calls you who will also do it” 1 Thessalonians 5:24.
Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith
Hugs
Sharon
wakemyear 