2003-11-08 - Passages about Attitudes

For a long time, I have been troubled by the spirit of conversations, confrontations, demonstrations, interviews, sermons and e-mails - and the Lord is pressing it on my spirit. Too often, our attitude reflects not our Savio but rather the world. I challenge us all to stop at times, and think "is this attitude really drawing people to the Lord who died for them?" Today we will read a little of what the Bible has to say about our attitudes.

Whining vs. Contentment

Psalm 106:24-26 (NASB) Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe in His word, But grumbled in their tents; They did not listen to the voice of the LORD. Therefore He swore to them That He would cast them down in the wilderness.

Ingratitutde vs. Thankfulness

2 Timothy 3:1-2 (NASB) But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good.

In your face" attitude vs. Gentleness:

2 Timothy 2:25 (NASB) With gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.

Fault-Finding and Nitpicking vs. Forgiveness and Grace

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) Eph 4:2 NLT) Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

Pride vs. Humility

1 Peter 5:5 (NASB)You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.

Philippians 2:3 (NASB) Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.

"Attitude 101"

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Jan

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