…that determines your altitude. -Zig Ziglar
This quote about your attitude by Zig Ziglar is so true. While you may have no control over many things, including the innate abilities that you are born with; you do have control over your attitude. A good attitude can take us far and can help us with achieving success in life.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
Last year I was asked to recruit, coordinate and lead a small team for a women’s ministry event. However, I was only given one week to prepare. I felt hurt, slighted and overwhelmed. I was upset that I wasn’t given more notice and I complained.
However, the thought that God will reward believers for service came to my mind. I realized with God’s help, that I needed to change my attitude because I was about to miss an opportunity to serve, bless others and be blessed in return.
God changed my perspective and He helped me to humble myself and obey Him. God brought everything together beautifully and He used us to minister to hurting women that day, but I nearly missed out because of my bad attitude.
A good attitude is worth cultivating and it can make all the difference in how we relate to others, whether we receive career and other opportunities; and even impact our service for the Lord.
Jesus Christ demonstrated the perfect example of a good attitude for Christians.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.Philippians 2:5-8 (NLT)
The Bible tells Christians to imitate the attitude of humility and sacrifice that Jesus Christ displayed. He did not allow the fact that He was God to circumvent His mission to die on the cross for the sins of the world.
Thankfully, Christians have the help and power of the Holy Spirit who indwells believers. He can help with your attitude!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)
God can and does transform us, but we have to submit to Him and we shouldn’t get discouraged if it takes time.
Conversely, a bad attitude can hinder us. It can destroy marriages, friendships, work opportunities; as well as hurt our service and witness for the Lord.
A bad attitude can prevent us from receiving the blessings that God wants to give us.
Numbers 11:1 says, “And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” (Numbers 11:1 KJV)
We can learn from the Israelites that the Lord wasn’t pleased by their complaining. He was provoked to anger and there were consequences.
The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years and they were prevented from entering the Promised Land because of their attitude of unbelief and doubt. The Israelites had developed a habit of complaining.
They had forgotten the good things God had done and instead of being grateful; their grumbling showed a lack of gratitude.
Thus, a negative attitude can leave us wandering in the wilderness of life. Your attitude is key to freedom.
Here is a great quote that sums up the importance of having a good attitude.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.—Charles R. Swindoll
In addition to reading the Bible, I recommend reading, Lord, Change My Attitude: Before It’s Too Late by James MacDonald. Click here to learn more.
God cares about your attitude and you should too.
Do you struggle with having a good attitude and would you like to change?
Have you made a decision to believe and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Click here if you would like to now.
Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.
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