ATTITUDE

ATTITUDE

NEGATIVE ATTITUDES
HOW DO NEGATIVE ATTITUDES AFFECT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
(Genesis 4:1-16).

“Why are you so angry?” the LORD asked him. “Why do you look so dejected?” (Genesis 4:6)

NEGATIVE ATTITUDES MAY CAUSE US TO TURN AWAY FROM GOD (1 Samuel 8:1-22)

.“Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king like all the other nations have.” (1 Samuel 8:5)

 The Bible does not say why God rejected Cain’s offering. Perhaps Cain’s attitude was improper, or perhaps his offering was not up to God’s standards. God evaluates both our motives and the quality of what we offer him. When we give to God and others, we should have a joyful heart because of what we are able to give. We should not worry about how much we are giving up, for everything belongs to God in the first place. Instead, we should joyfully give to God our best in time, money, possessions, and talents.

 NEGATIVE ATTITUDES LEAD TO WRONG DECISIONS.

Israel was called to be a holy nation, separate from and unique among all others (Leviticus 20:26). The Israelites’ motive in asking for a king was to be like the nations around them. This was in total opposition to God’s original plan. It was not their desire for a king that was wrong but their reasons for wanting a king.

Often we let others’ values and actions dictate our attitudes and behavior. Have you ever made a wrong choice because you wanted to be like everyone else? Be careful that the values of your friends or “heroes” don’t pull you away from what God says is right. When God’s people want to be like unbelievers, they are heading for spiritual disaster.

POSITIVE ATTITUDES

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A POSITIVE ATTITUDE?
(Genesis 39:1-23)

"After hearing his wife’s story, Potiphar was furious! He took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held. But the LORD was with Joseph there, too, and he granted Joseph favor with the chief jailer". (Genesis 39:19-21)

POSITIVE ATTITUDES ALLOW GOD TO WORK (Exodus 14:1-14)

"But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again.”  (Exodus 14:13)

As a prisoner and slave, Joseph could have seen his situation as hopeless. Instead, he did his best with each small task given him. His diligence and positive attitude were soon noticed by the jail warden, who promoted him to prison administrator. Are you facing a seemingly hopeless predicament? At work, at home, or at school, follow Joseph’s example by taking each small task and doing your best. Remember how God turned Joseph’s situation around. He will see your efforts and can reverse even overwhelming odds.

POSITIVE ATTITUDES CAN INFLUENCE OTHERS (Ruth 2:1-13).

"The foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest over there in the shelter.” (Ruth 2:6-7)

The people were hostile and despairing, but Moses encouraged them to watch the wonderful way God would rescue them. Moses had a positive attitude! When it looked as if they were trapped, Moses called upon God to intervene. We may not be chased by an army, but we may still feel trapped. Instead of giving in to despair, we should adopt Moses’ attitude to “stand firm” and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish.

POSITIVE ATTITUDES WILL HELP OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES.

Ruth’s task, though menial, tiring, and perhaps degrading, was done faithfully. What is your attitude when the task you have been given is not up to your true potential? The task at hand may be all you can do, or it may be the work God wants you to do. Or, as in Ruth’s case, it may be a test of your character that can open up new doors of opportunity.

WHOSE ATTITUDE SHOULD WE IMITATE? ( Philippians 2:5-11)

"Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had". (Philippians 2:5)

THE BEST POSITIVE ATTITUDE IS ONE LIKE CHRIST’S.

Often people excuse selfishness, pride, or evil by claiming their “rights.” They think, I can cheat on this test; after all, I deserve to pass this class, or I can spend all this money on myself-I worked for it, or I can get an abortion; I have a right to control my own body. But as believers, we should have a different attitude; one that enables us to lay aside our rights in order to serve others. If we say we follow Christ, we must live as he lived. We should develop his attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognition for our efforts. Are you selfishly clinging to your rights, or are you willing to serve?

GOD’S WORD ON ATTITUDE

WHAT KIND OF ATTITUDE DOES GOD WANT US TO HAVE?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 . . . Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

An attitude of love sums up many aspects of a good attitude toward others.

Philippians 2:5-8 . . . Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. . . . He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave. . . . And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross.

An attitude of humility and of serving other people will help us to be more like Christ.

Philippians 4:4-6 . . . Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! . . . Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

An attitude of faith in God has many positive aspects: joy in every circumstance, dependence on God in prayer rather than worrying, and thankfulness-no matter what.

WHAT KIND OF ATTITUDE IS DISPLEASING TO GOD?

Genesis 4:6-7 . . . “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked him. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it.”

Responding with resentment to God’s discipline can lead us into sin.

Numbers 21:5 . . . “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this wretched manna!”

Complaining shows a lack of appreciation for what God has given us.

Proverbs 18:12 . . . Haughtiness goes before destruction.

Relying on our own greatness rather than God’s greatness leads to self-destruction.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO HAVING A GOOD ATTITUDE?

Romans 8:6 . . . If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.

Letting God’s Holy Spirit control our minds, rather than letting our sinful nature control it, is the key to having a good attitude.

Romans 12:2 . . . Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

When we give God control over our lives, he gives us his attitudes and his ways.

PROMISE FROM GOD:

Matthew 5:3-8 . . . God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. . . . God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them. . . . God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

[All images from: https://pixabay.com/images/search/bible/]