Defeated By Attitude

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

Recently I read an article that said “I don’t have to be defeated by the attitudes of this world.” Have you ever considered how both consciously and unconsciously you are allowing the attitude of this world to shape your behavior and negate your witness for Christ? Have you even been around people where the prevailing attitude was one of criticism, complaint, and negativity? It can be exhausting and if you are not careful, you will find yourself dragged into the Sport’in-a-Tude Club. Your outlook and testimony for Christ will take a nose dive like a cannon ball in quicksand. Before you know it, you begin to look, speak and act like the world, becoming another statistic in this crooked and depraved generation. For a Christian this should never be. We have the best news in the world….JESUS!!

Never let the naysayers, complainers and grumblers of this world rob you of your joy. Scripture reminds us that “the joy of the Lord will be my strength.” (Psalm 27:8). This world does not and should not ever control your attitude. We are told to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5) Wow! Can you even imagine what would happen if we adopted the attitude of Christ? It would revolutionize this world and open the flood gates for the Gospel.

Take a moment today to read Philippians 2:1-18. We are given clear insight into the attitude that we as Christians are to have. Jesus had an attitude of: 1) Humility- Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; (vs.2) 2) Servanthood- rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (vs.7) 3) Obedience- And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (vs.8)

We are called to “shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life” (vs.15-16). We never want our labor to be in vain but rather we should desire to emulate Christ in order that our witness (attitude) would compel a watching world to see Jesus. Therefore, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Prayer
Father thank You for giving us such a clear example in Your Son, Jesus. We long to have the right focus and attitude that we might be faithful servants of Your grace to a watching world. We give You permission to make any attitude adjustments necessary so that we may be a trustworthy reflection of You. In the power of Jesus we pray, Amen.