Have you ever thought about your attitude in your everyday walk of life? Most people do not think about their attitude, but do you think other people think about them for you? :) Some of my devotionals have been kind of convicting lately, but today I want this to be an encouraging one as well. Did you know the Bible talks a lot about how your attitude can affect you, as well as other around you?
In Philippians 2:5 it says, ”Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ.” Is your attitude towards your family, friends, and those you do not know, that as Jesus? I am going out on another limb here, but I am going to guess most Christians do not act like Jesus to strangers. We may be nice to our family and friends, most of the time, but when it comes to people we do not know, sometimes we treat them with speciousness and distrust, vs love. So if you go back and read that verse again, does it say, ”Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus, but only when you feel like it?" Or only to your friends and family?
You know the hardest thing about writing these devotionals is typing words that have to speak truth. I wish I could change the scriptures to make it easier for me not to be so convicting. However, I feel it is important for me to be as real, and as honest with you as I can. It would be easier if I could talk about other people who have terrible attitudes, but I have to be willing to speak of myself also. Sometimes I hear people tell me they are scared of me; or that I look like I am angry at times. To be honest that kind of makes me sad. In fact, it makes me very sad because I do not want people to think of me that way. I know I do not walk around with a goofy smile on my face all the time, but I would say 99 % of the time I am a pretty happy guy. So let me ask you something. Should we judge people for the way they look, or the way they act? In Matthew 5:16 it says, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is heaven.” I really like this Verse a lot; and I really like the part where it says, ”Let your light shine before men.” I like it because I think we should allow people to see our light shine if we are happy. Maybe I need to work a little harder in showing people I am as happy as I say.
Do you remember when Paul was in prison in Rome about to die for his faith? While he was there he writes to the Church of Philippians to tell them how they should conduct themselves, but also have the attitude of Christ. Paul at this time is not worried about dying, but more concerned in telling the Church that their attitudes are very important when it comes to being a Christian. I would be in the corner crying my eyes out personally, and telling the Church to hurry up, and get me out of here. I guess that is why he is in the Bible and not me. Well, since I am not in a cold prison, and I have coffee and Pistachios in front of me, I will just give much credit to Paul for his inspiring words. He also says in Philippians 1:27, ”Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Really! This guy has an answer for everything. :) Not to mention he says in Verse 23, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” This man truly had the attitude of Christ!
In closing, when Paul talks about Christ's Attitude, he wants us to remember that we should desire to have those same traits as Christ. Jesus was unselfish, humble, and a true servant to those around him. These three things are so important for us to emulate if we want to be more like Him. So let us try and let our light shine more. Let us try to give, or serve more, rather than always asking for something. And let us start walking with a more humble heart. I truly believe if we will make more of an effort at church, and in our daily routine, people will start to see the light that Glorifies God.
God bless, and let your light shine!
E.