A Baditude Attitude

July 1, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus”  Philippians 2:5

 

Something to Think About:

 

~How do you feel when you are around someone who has a negative or critical attitude?

~Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your church? Or do they know you are Christ followers by your love for one another?

~Are there some negative attitude issues in your life? How could you work to improve your attitude?

 

Have you ever had a stinky enough attitude that you didn’t even want to be around yourself? A negative, critical, and harsh attitude is poison to all relationships – but most dangerous to your soul.

 

If you’re suffering from a bad case of nastiness, pessimism and negativity; here are some sure-fire cures to get your thoughts and perspective moving in the right direction –

 

• Smile:  “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 – Our countenance is often a reflection of what we’re feeling on in the inside. But, even if you don’t always feel happy inside, you can, fake it until you can make it. Learn to smile no matter the circumstance. If Jesus Christ truly lives in your heart, your face should show it.
• Be Thankful:  “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 – When we take others for granted and see only their faults, our attitude towards them – and theirs towards us – hits rock-bottom fast. Be eager to express forgiveness towards others and be appreciative of what God has placed in your life.
• Forgive fast:  “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27 – The Bible doesn’t say you should never feel anger, but it points out the importance of properly handling your anger. If vented thoughtlessly, anger hurts others and destroys relationships. If kept bottled up inside, it causes bitterness and will defeat you from within. If you nurture your anger, you’re giving Satan a foothold from which he can attack and divide. If you’re angry with someone right now, don’t let the day end before you begin to work on the conflict and mend the issue.  Even if you have to swallow your pride and admit you’re wrong (even if you’re really not), work things out right now.
• Be proactive:  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24. Instead of moaning and groaning and complaining about how bad things are, act!  Inaction is a breeding ground for negativity. We gather together to share our faith and strengthen each other in the Lord. Offering encouragement to others is one of the privileges that come with your life in Christ.. Always be ready to cheer someone on and up.
• Watch your words: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that is may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29. Are you grieving God with bad language, unkindness, spitefulness, anger, quarrels, harsh words and bad attitudes towards others, or are you pleasing Him with Godly attitudes, thoughtful and kind actions? Do you act in love towards others - even unbelievers? What you say and how you treat others, has a tremendous impact on how you feel, and how others treat you.
• Love unconditionally:  - “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34.  You are called to love others based on Jesus’ sacrificial love for you. Such a love will not only help bring unbelievers to Christ; it will keep our churches strong and united. Jesus was a living example of God’s love. You are commanded to be a living example of Jesus’ love.

 

God Will…

 

Perfect your character through patience – “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4

 

Give you patience and renew your soul – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

 

Give your peace and rest – “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”  Isaiah 26:3

 

Rejoice – For your new attitude begins today!

 

Father God, 

 

     You know me better than I know myself, and You know I don’t always have the best or right attitude. You have given me a great life and so very much to be eternally thankful for. Help me enjoy a right relationship with You and others by urging me to keep an attitude of gratitude instead of an attitude of baditude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination.

If you have a  pulse you have a purpose.