“Have this
attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5 NASB).
As we begin this
new year, it is a good thing to take time to reflect back over the past year
and to carefully consider goals for the new year. In spite of the negativity
concerning New Year’s resolutions, a person’s odds of achieving them are much
higher when they set goals. And perhaps the most helpful tool that each person
has in achieving their goals is their attitude. Attitude is the difference
maker. Just consider a few quotes about a person’s attitude.
Thomas Jefferson
said, “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving
his goal. Nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong attitude.”
Similarly, Jeff Keller said, “Your attitude is your window to the world.”
William James
said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter
their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” A psychologist named Viktor
Frankl endured the horrors of the Nazi death camps. He later wrote that the
Nazis took everything from him—his property and possessions, his family and
friends, his future and hope, and even the very clothes on his back. Even
still, he said: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of
the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”
Jeff Keller said,
“Your success in life begins and ends with your attitude.” Your attitude will
make a difference in how you view yourself, others, your circumstances, your
hopes and dreams, your opportunities and obstacles. Your attitude will make a
difference in how you treat your family and friends. It makes a great
difference in your work and your health. I have witnessed people who had a
determined attitude literally defy life and death. There is great power in
choosing one’s attitude throughout life!
The Bible has a
lot to say about one’s attitude. And the reality of the matter is that apart
from a person’s relationship with Jesus Christ, the next most important thing
about a person is their attitude. Therefore, over the next several months, we
are going to consider what attitudes a person should have and how these
attitudes can literally change our lives. An unknown source once said, “A
positive attitude is a person’s passport to a better tomorrow.” Thus, I want to
encourage you to join me in this journey of changing our attitudes to the
destination of a brighter tomorrow.
More of Him, less
of me,
Matt
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