Attitudes

Attitudes, we all have them whether good or bad. Have you ever noticed the type of attitude you have will affect your whole day? I have really been thinking about attitudes lately.

My husband was out of work since the end of December. He injured his back, went through physical therapy, an operation and more physical therapy. He used crutches, canes, wheelchair, and walker, and some days could not stand on his own power. Through all of this his attitude was excellent. He did not blame God or someone else for what he was going though, he took it all in stride as another day in his life. He was positive through this entire time, he kept working toward his goal of getting better. Slowly, some days slower than others, he has gotten his strength back, he is not at 100% but he continues to work toward the goal. He may never be at 100%, this may be his “new normal” but his attitude and hard work has gotten him where he is now– how we think affects how we act.

I worked with a person who complained about everything, and I do mean everything. No matter what the situation something negative was said, the weather was too hot in the summer but way to cold in the winter, the phone rang too much or not enough, people asked too many questions or did not ask enough. The negativity was constant and I had enough; I was starting to capture the “negative” bug myself. Finally when I heard for the umpteenth time that another job was better than the one she had I said why don’t you apply? The excuses started but it made her realize I did not want to hear all the pessimistic comments. Negative attitudes can affect everyone. Negatively will “rub” off on us if we let it.

Sometimes it is hard for Christians to stay focused on the Lord. Our mind works overtime and the negative attitudes start to cultivate in our thoughts. We look around and see others doing so much better than we are, whether physically, mentally, or spiritually. The “grass is greener” syndrome is everywhere even in the Christian realm.

What can we do to have better attitudes?

Realize where the negative comes from
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Ephesians 2:2

Think differently
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Ephesians 4:23

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

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

Praise God for what you have
I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35:28

Meditate on the blessings of God
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

Don’t compare yourself to others
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

Have a blessed day,
Donna