Attitude Living

Attitude living, like attitude flying, says "my attitude dictates my performance." That "canopy" represents a lot of ground to cover in one book. We'll need to examine:

What is an attitude, and why is it important?

What are the necessary ingredients for a high-performance attitude? What causes an attitude to become negative, disappointing? How can a wrong attitude that is working against us be turned around to work for us?

Hardly a day passes without the word "attitude" entering a conversation. It may be used as a complaint or a compliment. It could mean the difference between a promotion or a demotion. Sometimes we sense it, other times we see it. Yet, it is difficult to explain.

The attitude is an inward feeling expressed by behavior.

that is why an attitude can be seen without a word being said. Haven't we all noticed "the pout" of the sulker, or "the jutted jaw" of the determined? Of all the things we wear, our expression is the most important.

The Bible teaches us "....God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (I Samuel 16:7). "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). These statements express our inability to know for sure what emotions are going on inside someone else. Yet, while we refrain from judging others by their outward expressions, many times the outward actions becomes a "window to the soul." A person who gives "a look that kills," probably is not inwarding singing "Something Good is Going to Happen to You."

Since an attitude often is expressed by our body language and by the looks on our faces, it can be contagious. Have you noticed what happens to a group of people when one person, by his expression, reveals a negative attitude? Or have you noticed the lift you receive when a friend's facial expression shows love and acceptance?

David's music and presence encouraged a troubled King Saul. Scripture tells us "the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him" (I Samuel 16:14). The king's men were told to find someone who could lift their ruler's spirit. They brought David into the palace and "Saul loved him greatly."

Sometimes the attitude can be masked outwardly, and others who see us are fooled. But usually the cover-ups will not last long. There is that constant struggle as the attitude tries to wiggle its way out.

The simplicity of "Trust and Obey," that great hymn of James H. Sammis, points to the importance of our obedient attitude to our spiritual growth.

"While we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with those who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey for there's no other way,
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Not to say my mother was perfect by any means, as none of us are, but this was one of her favority hymns and I can still hear her singing it.

Whatever Jesus says to you, do it, even though....
1. You are not in the "right place".

2. You have a lot of problems.

3. You are not encouraged.

4. You have not walked with Him very long.

5. You have not seen Him work miracles in your life.

6. You don't understand the entire process.

A hardened attitude is a dreaded disease. It causes a closed mind and a dark future. When the attitude is positive and conducive to growth, the mind expands and the progress beings.

"Do you feel the world is treating you well? If your attitude toward the world is excellent, you will receive excellent results. If you feel so-so about the world, your response from that world will be average. Feel badly about your world, and you will seem to have only negative feedback from life." ~~ John Maxwell.

Couldn't think of anything to write about this morning so thought we all could use an attitude adjustment in some way. John Maxwell provides just that. Hope that you have a good, positive attitude today!

Blessings!