I want to look at the concept of attitude and see just what kind of potent force it is. An attitude is a manner of acting, feeling or thinking that reveals one’s disposition, opinion, and overall mindset. One’s attitude is a mental disposition. How we are inside. Our approach to life. It’s the way we view the world in general terms and how we look at other individuals.
A good attitude means different things in different circumstances. Generally, it signifies an approach that is positive, constructive, respectful, gentle, cooperative. A bad attitude is negative, destructive, hostile, critical and competitive.
Attitudes can influence our facial expression: “The look on their countenance witnesses against them, And they declare their sin as Sodom; They do not hide it” (Isaiah 3.9). Attitudes also impact our health: “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).
Our overall attitude also influences our strength and perseverance both physically and spiritually. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
We do need God’s help when we struggle with the negative forces in our society. And God does responds favorably to those who approach Him with respect: “. . . on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66.2b). He receives a humble rather than a combative approach and attitude. Seeking His input rather than arrogantly challenging Him produces a positive responsiveness from Him. A hostile attitude will leave our request empty. Note that the majority of human beings also reject a hostile approach to them!
And there is an abundance of hostility in the world. Hostility toward us specifically can be very discouraging and fearful. However, if we let hostility take the upper hand in our lives, we can easily become frustrated and very negative. The solution is found in Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
As followers of God and Christ, we have the Bible that is filled with solutions to all that we face in this life. It contains the proper responses (attitudes) to volatile situations, financial distress, family disunity, employee/employer conflicts. Life and death circumstance. We need to be a student of the Bible and prayer. That is how we come to know Him and His promises. “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18).
Christ’s example is our guide to a right attitude no matter the circumstances. “For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:” (I Peter 2:19-21). “. . . who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:23-24).
Philippians 4:8 has powerful instructions that when practiced will help us maintain good attitudes toward whatever is happening in our lives: “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. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me (Paul), these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5-7).
In every circumstance we should seek God’s input as an attitude check, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Cliff Veal