Attitude.
Been thinking a little bit about that word lately.
So last week, I decided to type in “attitude quotes” into my Google search bar to learn a little bit about people’s perceptions of “attitude” and how it impacts our lives.
“Attitude is everything,” is one of the more common viewpoints out there. And, even though it’s kind of an oversimplification of how our attitudes impact our lives, there’s a lot of truth in that statement.
Our attitudes really do impact not just our lives, but the lives of those around us. Two historical figures have summed it up this way…
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” – Winston Churchill
“Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.” – Albert Einstein
Turns out that our attitudes matter…a lot.
Especially as Christians.
It was Paul who wrote in Philippians 2:5…
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
If you go back and read verses 1-4 of that chapter, you’ll find examples of what having a Jesus’ attitude looks like. Paul says things like…
Stop being selfish (v3)
Stop trying to impress people (v3)
Be humble (v3)
Start thinking of others as better than yourself (v3)
Stop being proud (basically all of verse 3)
Stop doing only what’s best for you (v4)
Start paying more attention to the interests of others (v4)
Okay, so here’s the deal.
Our attitudes as Christians matter…A LOT.
The people around us (think your family, neighbors, coworkers, friends, etc.) are learning from us. Among other things, they are learning how we react and respond to the things going on around us (good and bad)…in our communities, in our nation, and in our world.
And, our attitudes (and the reactions that go with them) are giving people either a good and positive view of who Jesus is or one that makes Jesus look petty, selfish, arrogant, and condescending.
Clearly, these are difficult, divided days that we are all living in.
Right now, the division and disagreements we have are centered primarily on politics, race, COVID-19, and the economy.
But, even if/when these issues fade away or get resolved, there will be other things for us to divide and fight over. And the people around you will always be looking to you to see how you react and respond to them.
So, ask yourself, what is your attitude telling people right now?
Is your attitude helping people see what having a Jesus’ attitude looks like?
Are you pointing people to Jesus these days or are you just pointing fingers?
Attitude may not be everything, but our attitudes as Christians say a lot.
May we be a people who have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had and consistently point people to Him.
Even when…especially when…it’s hard.
PJ's Monday Musings 