According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word "attitude"
means "an internal position or feeling with regard to something
else." Other words often used as synonyms are: "disposition,
feeling, mood, opinion, sentiment, temper, tone, perspective, frame
of mind, outlook, view or morale."
In essence, your attitude is your inward disposition toward other things,
such as people or circumstances. Attitude is applied whenever you must
deal with something other than yourself.
When you come to know God personally, a part of your new creation is
the development of new atttitudes- your attitude should become like
that of the Lord Jesus.(Philippians 2:5). "You
were taught, with regard to yur former way of life, to put off the odl
self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made
new in the attitude of your minds." (Ephesians 4:22).
Bad Attitudes
Most of us can easily identify bad attitudes when they are displayed
outwardly in our words or actions, such as negativeness, criticalness,
rebellion, defiance, impatience, uncooperative, apathy, discouragement,
independance, presumption, arrogance, self-centredness and rudeness.
These are examples of bad attitudes which we should reject.
However, keep in mind, attitudes are inner dispositions of the heart
and thoughts-they are the hidden intentions which will eventually serve
as the basis for our actions. "For as he thinks
in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7). In reality, no one
else really knows the thoughts of your heart, except you and God. Consequently,
attitude is something that only you and God can work out- a change which
must take place inwardly.
According to Scripture, your attitude toward life, your circumstances,
or toward other people should always be like the Lord's. His example
is the supreme and perfect. Good attitudes are generally demonstrated
in being positive, encouraging, loving, humble, teachable,cooperative,considerate,
selfless, loyal, persevering and so forth (Gal.
5:22-23).
How to Develop Good Attitudes
1. Identify and Repent of Bad Attitudes
Acts 8:22. "Repent therefore of this your wickedness,
and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you."
2. Submit Your Attitudes to God
Bring your attitudes into obedience to God's Word. Apply discipline
to your thought life- submit your thougts to those of Christ's. A good
attitude is a matter of faith, disregarding your feelings, with a determination
to embrace God's outlook and disposition. 2 Corinthians
10:5 "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself
against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity
to the obedience of Christ."
3. Equip and Feed Your Attitudes
Dwell on the things that God's Word tells us to those good and virtuous
things. If you dwell on the negative, your attitude will relfect the
same. Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever
things are true, whatever things are noble, 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."
Be Encouraged.
*******************Letter # 22 (16. 6. 2002)*********************
