Attitude Check

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)

A common misunderstanding regarding a positive and optimistic attitude is that it can only come from a happy, healthy, and/or successful person.  But the truth is we don’t have to be prosperous or picture-perfect to maintain a positive attitude.  What we put into our minds determines our day and directs our attitudes, words, and actions towards others. It's so easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances, and I know that when I dwell on them with a negative attitude it has a contagious effect on those around me. We should not complain and discourage those around us because everyone around us carries some sort of baggage and heartache. When we chose to look at the bright side of life, our attitudes become filled with light; a light that affects not only us, but our environment and everyone around us! People who display and share optimistic attitudes with those around them encourage others to do the same.

The right approach to have when conditions and situations try to influence our attitudes is to persevere in our faith and draw closer to God.  We may not always be able to change the things that happen to us, but we can change the way we react to them, and what we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. When we look at life from the right perspective we are more likely to be rejoiceful no matter what the circumstances…

…as we focus more on what we are grateful for we worry less about the things we may be lacking. It’s all about our faith that things are going to work out in the long run.

 It’s a good habit to get into when we actively search for the positive side of everything, because when we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change!

"Whatever you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right!" (Henry Ford)

Our attitudes act like a buffer between ourselves and the world, and when we keep a check on our behavior and reactions it makes it easier to deflect worries and negative thoughts. I am pretty sure that a person’s life isn’t determined by how hard they fall, but instead, by the amount of times they are willing to get up after a fall. It’s all about how we react to circumstances that we face and our determination to endure. We have to bring our attitudes into obedience with God’s Word, apply discipline to our thoughts, and believe that all good things are coming to us today; then do what is necessary to make it happen.  If we keep this in our daily thoughts it will give us a sense of hope and it will put us on the fast track as we go forward with God into the better life that He planned just for us!

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

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