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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Writing from a prison cell in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote about the attitude a Christian should have: "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Philippians...
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Our attitude is important to God. See Philippians 2:5 JB Phillips -- "Let Christ himself be your example as to what your attitude should be." or the edition I used in the 1960s, (Phillips; 1958): "Let Christ Jesus be your example as to what your attitude should be" What kind of attitude did He exhibit? What characterized His behavior toward others? One has summed up the mind of the Christ as: (1) The selfless mind--Do you choose to put on Christ and His attitude or were you influenced by the world system (kosmos) which incessantly promotes and "exalts" selfishness (2Ti 3:1-2, 3:3-5). Robert Murray M'Cheyne (2) The sacrificial mind; (3) The serving mind. Jesus Christ was humble, willing to give up His rights in order to obey God and serve people. Like Christ, we should have a servant's attitude, serving out of love for God and for others, not out of guilt or fear. Remember, you can choose your attitude. You can approach life expecting to be served, or you can look for opportunities to serve others. See Mark 10:45 for more on Christ's attitude of servanthood. LASB
Zachary Campbell
Supporter
## What Does the Bible Say About Attitude? The Bible doesn't have a dedicated section on "attitude," but it speaks extensively about the inner character and dispositions that shape our actions and interactions. Here are some key themes: **1. Imitate Christ's Attitude:** * **Humility and Selflessness:** Philippians 2:3-5 encourages having the same attitude as Jesus, who "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" (v. 7). This emphasizes prioritizing others' needs and serving with humility. * **Love and Forgiveness:** 1 John 4:8 states, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." Love and forgiveness are central to Christian living, reflecting God's nature and guiding our interactions. **2. Cultivate Positive Qualities:** * **Joy and Peace:** Romans 15:13 encourages "may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing." These positive emotions are associated with a grateful and trusting attitude towards life's challenges. * **Patience and Kindness:** Colossians 3:12-13 instructs believers to "put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord forgave you, so you also must forgive." These virtues promote healthy relationships and a positive outlook. **3. Guard Against Negative Attitudes:** * **Anger and Bitterness:** James 1:19-20 warns, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." Uncontrolled anger and bitterness hinder personal growth and harm relationships. * **Pride and Envy:** Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The Bible warns against pride, envy, and other negative emotions that can distort our perception and lead us astray. **4. Transforming Your Attitude:** * **Renewing Your Mind:** Romans 12:2 urges believers to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This suggests actively seeking God's perspective and aligning our thoughts and attitudes with His teachings. * **Prayer and Dependence on God:** Philippians 4:6-7 instructs, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Prayer and reliance on God's strength can transform our anxieties and cultivate a more peaceful and trusting attitude. **Remember:** The Bible's message on attitude is not about forcing positivity but cultivating an inner transformation rooted in love, humility, and dependence on God. This journey involves navigating life's challenges, seeking forgiveness, and actively growing in Christlikeness. **Note:** This is a brief overview, and specific interpretations and applications may vary depending on individual beliefs and contexts. It's always recommended to study relevant passages and seek guidance from trusted faith leaders for deeper understanding.
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
What does the Bible say about attitude? The Bible emphasises that a godly attitude is centred on humility, thankfulness, and Christ-like love, rather than selfishness or negativity. It urges believers to renew their minds (Romans 12:2), maintain a joyous perspective (Proverbs 17:22), and adopt the humble, sacrificial mindset of Jesus (Philippians 2:5) Some aspects of biblical attitude include: Humility and Service: Christians are called to put others before themselves, modelling the humility of Christ (Philippians 2:3-5). Joy and Thankfulness: A joyful heart is described as good medicine (Proverbs 17:22), and thankfulness is encouraged in all circumstances (Colossians 3:16). Peace and Mindset: Focusing on God leads to peace (Isaiah 26:3), while setting the mind on the Spirit results in life rather than the negativity of the flesh (Romans 8:6). Positive Action: Scripture tells believers to avoid complaining (Philippians 2:14) and instead fill their minds with things that are true, noble, pure, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). Work Ethic: Attitudes toward work should be diligent, working heartily as if serving God directly (Colossians 3:23). The Bible shows that a negative attitude can prevent someone from experiencing God's promises, as seen in the nation of Israel in the wilderness (Numbers 13). In contrast, a faithful, positive attitude (like that of Joshua and Caleb) honours God. The primary instruction for a believer's attitude is found in Philippians 2:5: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus". This specific mindset is characterised by: Humility and Servitude: Putting the interests of others above your own and rejecting selfish ambition or conceit. Obedience and Sacrifice: Being willing to follow God's will even when it requires personal sacrifice or suffering. The Bible provides practical guidelines on how to maintain a healthy and holy attitude: Renewal of the Mind: Romans 12:2 commands believers not to conform to the world but to be "transformed by the renewing of your mind". This involves shifting focus from earthly problems to God's perspective. Focus on the Virtuous: Philippians 4:8 advises dwelling on things that are true, honourable, pure, lovely, and commendable. Gratitude in All Things: Maintaining an attitude of thankfulness, regardless of circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18), is described as God's will. Guarding the Heart: Proverbs 4:23 warns to "keep your heart with all vigilance," as it is the wellspring from which your life (and attitude) flows. A Bible proverb states: "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit saps one's strength." (Proverbs 17:22) In other words, your attitude makes a difference! It can affect whether you attain a goal or give up, or whether a tragic event brings out the best in you or the worst. What wrong attitudes should Christians avoid? Relevant Bible account(s): Ge 37:18, 19, 23, 24, 31-35—Joseph's brothers attack him, sell him as an enslaved person, and deceive Jacob into thinking that his beloved son is dead Ge 49:5-7—Simeon and Levi are called to account for their cruel anger and harsh fury 1Sa 20:30-34—In a fit of anger, King Saul insults his son Jonathan and tries to kill him 1Sa 25:14-17—Nabal screams insults at David's men, putting his own household in mortal danger Mt 12:1-7—Jesus exposes the self-righteous attitude of the Pharisees Lu 18:9-14—Jesus uses an illustration to show that self-righteous ones do not gain God's favour 1Sa 18:6-9; 20:30-34—King Saul suspects David of disloyalty and even tries to turn Jonathan against him Displaying this spirit of willing self-sacrifice as in Proverbs 10:22. "The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich; and he addeth no sorrow therewith."
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