WORDS OF WISDOM ATTITUDE!!!!! Writing from a prison cell in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote about the attitude a Christian should have. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27). Hes telling us that no matter what unexpected disruptions, frustrations, or difficulties, come our way, we are to respond with a Christ-like attitude. Paul, later writes, Let this mind be in us, which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). He also encourages us in Ephesians 5:1, Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children. He wants us to be imitators of Christ, as dearly beloved children. As children love to imitate what they see and repeat what they hear; we also are charged to imitate and model Christs behavior and to be clear reflections of the Lord (Matthew 5:16). Jesus maintained a perfect attitude in every situation because He prayed about everything and worried about nothing. We, too, should seek Gods guidance about every aspect of our life and allow Him to work put His perfect will without interference. Jesus attitude was never to become defensive, discouraged, or depressed, because His goal was to please the Father, rather than to achieve His own agenda. In the midst of trials, he was patient, in the midst of suffering, He was hopeful, in the must of blessing, He was humble. Even in the midst of ridicule, abuse, and hostility, He, made no threats........and did not retaliate (1 Peter 2:23). When Paul tells that our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, he had summarized in the previous two verses what such an attitude was: selflessness, humility, and service. Let nothing be done through stride and vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (Philippians 2:3-4). In other words, the attitude a Christian should reflect if one that is focused on the needs and interests of others. Without question, that does not come naturally to us. When Christ came into the world, He established a whole new attitude to relationships with others. One day when His disciples were arguing among themselves regarding who was to be greatest in His kingdom, Jesus said, ; Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered, but to Minister, and to give his life a ransom for many(Matthew 20:25-28). Jesus is teaching us that, when we become preoccupied with our own things, it can cause conflicts and other problems with people we know. Instead, God wants us to have an attitude of serious, caring involvement in the concerns of others. Paul speaks more about this Christ-like attitude in his letter to the church in Ephesus. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). Many religions today, including the New Age philosophies, promote the old lie that we are divine or that we can become gods. But the truth of the matter is that we will never become God, or even a god. Satans oldest lie was promising Adam and Eve that if they followed his advice, ye shall be as gods (Genesis 3:5). Each time we try to control our circumstances, our future, and the people around us, wanting them to change to our expectations, were only demonstrating that we want to be a god. But we must understand that, as creatures, we will never be the Creator. God doesnt want us to become like Him, taking on His role, His attitudes, and Hid character. We are meant to be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and true holiness, not be a god. Finally we must always keep in mind that Gods ultimate goal for His children is not our comfort, but the transformation of our minds into the attitude of godliness. He wants us to grow spiritually, to behind like Christ. This does not mean kidding our personalities or becoming mindless clones. Christlikeness is all about transforming our minds. Again, Paul tells us, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed, by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2). It is Gods will that we develope the kind of mindset described in the, Beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:1-12), the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), that we emulate the principles in pals great chapter on love (1 Corinthians 13) and that we strive to pattern our lives after Peters characteristics of an effective and productive life (2 Peter 15:8).
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 00:05:07 +0000
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