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Positive Christian Attitudes

Positive Christian Attitudes. One of the most abused/misused passages in the Bible is Philippians 4:13 , “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

harrison-adkins
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Positive Christian Attitudes

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  1. Positive Christian Attitudes One of the most abused/misused passages in the Bible is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” This passage is nottalking about climbing mountains, winning ballgames/championships, becoming a CEO (or better employee / employer), finding Mr. Right, avoiding Mrs. Wrong, winning the lottery, becoming independently wealthy, overcoming personal tragedy, accomplishing some feat of human endurance, landing a big job, or even becoming a top motivational speaker. From the context, it istalking about being “content in whatever circumstances I am…” vv.10-12. Isn’t it ironic that the passage used to promote the idea of overcoming some personal challenge is actually promoting the principle of being content with the situation as it is? While I am not a big fan of “pie in the sky / change the world” Positive Mental Attitude hype, I do see the need and importance of building and maintaining

  2. Building and Maintaining Positive Christian Attitudes Such is, at least in part, what enabled the Apostle Paul to faithfully endure all that he did for the sake of the gospel, cf. 2Cor.11:21-30> 12:7-10. And the same will enable us to master sin, Gen.4:7; rather than being mastered by sin, Rom.6:12,16. Mark N. Posey (preacher in AL from whom this sermon was adapted) wrote: “We are either masters or victims our attitudes. Nothing is more important than your attitude with the exception of having Jesus as your Savior. Your attitude will make or break you, heal or hurt you, bring happiness or misery, success or failure.” And he’s right about it! So let’s consider some principles of thought and action which will help us to develop the “right” attitude- a Positive Christian one.

  3. Building and Maintaining Positive Christian Attitudes- Keys: 1. Look for and emphasize the good. Everyone apparently has the judgment gene- the ability, and perhaps even the desire, to judge others. We can use it harshly, or graciously and generously, Matt.7:1-5; John 1:47. Those who truly love according 1Cor.13:4-7 choose to see the good in others first, and only concede the bad when forced to it. Some of us tend see the bad first, and can only see the good when forced to it. Such is unbecoming, seeking its own, taking into account wrongs suffered, lacking hope, and rejoicing in unrighteousness. It also seems be the point of Titus 1:15-16.

  4. Building and Maintaining Positive Christian Attitudes- Keys: 2. Realize and embrace your “role model” status. Embrace your “role model” responsibility to show others Positive Christian Attitudes in all circumstances, 1Tim.4:12; Titus 2:7; 1Pet.2:18-25. No one has more influence over your children or your spouse than you. If they have “bad attitudes,” from where do you suppose they got them? If you want them to have “Positive Christian Attitudes,” demonstrate them daily, 1Tim.1:5; 1Pet.3:1-9. We must understand and accept that others view the Church through what they see daily (not just at services) in us, Matt.5:13-16; Eph.3:10.

  5. Building and Maintaining Positive Christian Attitudes- Keys: 3. Demonstrate kindness and express friendliness to others. Try this: when you see a “thug-type” (hat sideways, pants falling down, “fishhooks” in the face, etc.) walking/driving down the street, smile and wave warmly. After the initial shock, he/she will usually smile and wave back. Isn’t that at least better than scowling and eyeballing one another? Matt.5:47; Phil.1:27-28. Look at, speak to in appreciative terms, and smile at the people serving you- if it doesn’t improve their attitude and service, it will yours, Phil.2:3;Prov.25:11; Eph.4:29. Don’t be a complainer; it is habit-forming and unbecoming to you, and the church, Phil.2:14-15.

  6. Building and Maintaining Positive Christian Attitudes- Keys: 4. Practice the principle of replacement. It begins by replacing bad thoughts with good ones, Rom.12:2-3; Eph.4:20-24; Phil.4:8; And bad desires/intentions with good ones, Gen.6: 5; Heb.4:12; 1Tim.6:3-5,10 > 11-12. Then replacing bad actions with good ones, Gal.5:19-21 > 22-23 > 16,24-25.

  7. Building and Maintaining Positive Christian Attitudes- Keys: Conclusions Today, as often, you had to listen to what I needed to hear. Building and Maintaining Positive Christian Attitudes is critical to: our being pleasing to God, Matt.6:16-18; Phil.4:4ff; and our abilities to influence others positively for Christ, Matt.5:14. At this task, we can all probably do better.

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