The Right Attitude

  Every single day we make a choice. It determines our wellness of mind, and our success in life. It determines how much stress we place on ourselves and how we approach other people. Our attitude is how we choose to respond to what has been done to us in the past. Our attitude determines the destiny of our soul. Every single thing we own on this earth can be taken from us, but how we respond to others in a given circumstance belongs to us. We can either let people make us bitter, or we can respond in kindness regardless of how we are treated. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD; And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm. Psalms 37:1-8 (NKJV)

The Bible says if we say we hate someone it is the same as murder in God’s eyes. Our thoughts can provoke us to have an unhealthy attitude toward others. When we wake up in the morning our first focus should be, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NKJV) And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:31-35 (NKJV)

Two wrongs will never make a right. You cannot defeat evil with evil, because it cannot overcome itself. Only good destroys evil so we concentrate on the behavior of the master of good, Jesus Christ. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 (NKJV) To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 (NKJV)

  Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (NKJV) “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:31-34 (NKJV) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:19-20 (NKJV)

  We should look at the attitude of the Apostle Paul as a good example to follow. He followed Christ in every aspect of His life. Paul was beaten, stoned, and left for dead. He was shipwrecked, and bitten by a poisonous snake. He was put in prison, and slandered by other believers. He never responded to them with evil or hatred, but with Christian guidance. He always encouraged them to grow in faith, and as a good servant of Christ he endured many hardships. This is a contagious Christian attitude, and was proclaimed in all he did. His motto was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

  To those who do not follow Christ there is an emptiness that they try to fill with the lusts of the world. The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, Whose waters cast up mire and dirt. “There is no peace,” Says my God, “for the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20-21 (NKJV) But to the Christian Jesus gave us peace. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 (NKJV) He gave us a way to escape the mental plight of a bad attitude. We do not have to rent space in our minds concerning those who mistreat us. We can turn everything over to God in prayer because all things are possible to those of us who believe.