Good morning. To say that “it is all about your attitude” is a well used thought, and one in which personal experience has taught us of its truth. On a cool July evening we will reach for a light jacket because the temperatures have dipped into the 60s. On a balmy January afternoon, we Minnesotans may be seen outside in shorts and tee-shirts because the temperatures have soared into the low 30s. And yes, you will see in January at every NFL stadium that doesn’t have a roof and is located north of St. Louis, a group of guys without shirts, and letters written on their chests. This may be about attitude, but perhaps also includes an element of anti-freeze type refreshments.
What I am suggesting is that identical circumstances may be accompanied by completely different reactions depending on our attitude of the moment. This brings me to our thought for today with a reminder to give our attitude to the Lord throughout each day to ensure the proper mind-set (and therefore actions) which reflect His love and glory.
One example of a Godly attitude that has always amazed me is what we read from the apostle Paul as he writes to the Philippian church while he is imprisoned in Rome. At that moment he was an evangelist who was not able to preach. He was a church planter who was not able to travel. He was a church over-seer who was not able to meet with churches in person. To make matters worse, he was under attack while he underwent these trials. These attacks were coming primarily from other preachers and fellow Christians. We read of his attitude during these trials in Philippians 1:12-21. I pondered which portion of this wonderful passage to share this morning, but I couldn’t leave any of it out:
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
In spite of his desperately difficult circumstances Paul’s attitude remained unchanged. What was happing to him personally was brutal regarding the Romans who held the power of life and death over him in every moment. But what was happening to him from fellow Christians who seemed to be using his predicament of being imprisoned for Christ as an opportunity to advance their own standing is shocking.
His reaction? But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Now that is a powerfully built Christian attitude and spirit!
As long as Christ was being served, whatever pain and difficulty he was experiencing didn’t matter.
He sums up the reason for his powerful Christian attitude in verse 21: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
If that is the powerful truth in control of a Christian life, that living is all about serving Jesus and dying is all about our reward, what can circumstances do to destroy our positive Christian attitude?
Today will be a blessing as long as your attitude allows you to see it. So give your attitude to the Lord as you start your day, and then give it to Him again and again throughout the day because you will need the booster.
Vern