Choose the right Attitude

“It’s not what happens to me that matters but what happens in me”

~John Maxwell

“While we were waiting for the showers, our nakedness was brought home to us: we really had nothing now except our bare bodies---even minus hair; all we possessed, literally, was our naked existence. What else remained for us as a material link with our former lives? For me there was my glasses and my belt; the latter I had to exchange later on for a piece of bread.” ~ Man’s Search for Meaning, Dr. Viktor Frankl

Introduction

An attitude is an inward feeling that usually expresses itself by behavior. Therefore, attitudes express themselves in body language. So, an attitude can be seen without a word being spoken. Attitudes are usually expressed on our faces. The lack of smile, the frown, the rolling of eyes, the hanging of the head and not making eye contact. All of the behaviors express what is going on in the heart at the time.

Since attitudes can be expressed by our bodies, especially by the looks on our faces, it can become almost contagious. Like when someone shows up in a group with a negative attitude. It can affect the whole group. The opposite can happen when someone has a positive attitude and smiles. The whole group will start to smile. Facial expressions show love and acceptance which can be very contagious.

Sometimes attitudes can be covered up with a fake facial expression of what’s going on inside. But these facades usually wear thin, and the real attitude will surface over time.

When you feel the world is treating you well or not it could be due to your attitude. The attitude you have about the world around will transmit itself to your world bubble. If the message, you are sending is excellent then your world bubble will bounce back the same message to you. If you are sending out bad feelings, then your world bubble will give back the same negative and bad feelings.

Your attitude determines your altitude. The way you think, the way you feel, and the way you look at your life make up your attitude. What lies before you and what lies behind you are tiny compared to what lies within you. Attitudes are more important than facts.

Attitudes for Believers

With God, everything is possible.

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible” -Matthew 19:26 NLT

Three Steps to a Positive Attitude -think. Don’t react.

Ask this question instead, “With God, is this possible?” The Bible tells us how and what to think on and these thoughts determine our success.

Ask Jesus to help in every situation.

“For I can do everything through Christ...” -Philippians 4:13 NLT

To believe is critical to succeeding.

“All things are possible to him that believe” -Mark 9:23 AKJV Keep your “Enthusiasm.”

“By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” -2 Peter 1:3 NLT

Enthusiasm means “inspired by God.”

Stay “inspired” by: Daily- praise and worship, meditation on scripture, and talking and listening to God.

Weekly- hanging out with other enthusiastic Christ followers and attending church services.

Love life and people.

“To paraphrase Dale Carnegie: You’ll accomplish more in the next two months by developing a sincere interest in two people than you’ll ever hope to accomplish in two years trying to get two people interested in you.” -Tim Sander, Chief Solutions Officer, Yahoo

If Jesus died for people, then we can love them. The Great Commandment, . . .and love your neighbor as yourself. People at the top of most companies are people that love life and others.

Allow peace to rule your heart, not fear and worry.

“I will fear no evil because you are with me.” -Psalms 23:4 NIV

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you.” -John 15:7 NIV

“The concept “remain” signifies permanent occupancy. You can see attitude in the countenance of a person. The eyes are the window to the soul. Make sure your attitude produces confidence.

What would Jesus do? This question seems to sum it all up. Expect the future to be better than your past.

“... he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 1:6 NIV

The media doesn’t give much hope, but the word of God is hope. Press on towards the goal that God has given you. Don’t look back for it will only cause you to not fit in the Kingdom.

We cannot choose how many years we will live, but we can choose how much life those years will have. We cannot control the beauty of our face, but we can control the expression on it. We cannot control life’s difficult moments, but we can choose to make life less difficult. We cannot control the negative atmosphere of the world, but we can control the atmosphere of our minds. Too often, we try to choose and control things we cannot. Too seldom, we choose to control what we can.... our attitude.

Every problem has a hidden possibility.

“One of the exciting things about being a believer is watching God unveil His plan for our lives.” -Andy Stanley, Visioneering

Problems are one of the best things that can ever happen to you. Your problem is not your problem at all.

Problems are...

Predictors – They have the ability to predict what you’re going to be.

Reminders- They teach us that we need God.

Opportunities – They allow great solutions to arise.

Blessings – They allow us to grow more.

Lessons – They teach us something.

Everywhere – They are common to man.

Message – They give us signals about our life.

Solvable – There is always a way out.

Your attitude is a choice.

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” -Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

If you believe, it is because you chose to have faith. Make up your mind. If you don’t like the situation that faces you, change it! Better yet, change it now. We cannot determine what happens to us, but we can choose to have the attitude of faith.

“This is the victory that has overcome the world - even our faith.” -1 John 5:4 NIV

The last of the human freedoms

“Everything can be taken away from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” -Man’s Search for Meaning, Dr. Viktor Frankl

Exercise

Discuss which part of the lesson had the most impact on you and why.

Take Away

1. Which one of the Seven Godly attitudes will you focus on this week?

2. Who do you have in your life that will encourage your Godly attitudes?