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An Attitude Adjustment

Growing up I frequently heard, “Missy, you need an attitude adjustment.” Which meant if I didn’t straighten up and act right, I was about to get in serious trouble. As an a adult, God has also reminded me from time to time that I need to adjust my attitude and get back to bringing glory to Him

Growing up I frequently heard, “Missy, you need an attitude adjustment.” Which meant if I didn’t straighten up and act right, I was about to get in serious trouble. As an a adult, God has also reminded me from time to time that I need to adjust my attitude and get back to bringing glory to Him.

Philippians 2: 5- 11

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

If as we go through life, we have an attitude as that of Christ, just think how much easier life would be. When we are faced with temptations, if we have the mind of Christ, we will handle all situations as our Lord Jesus Christ would. All of our conduct will be affected. We need to be humble as Christ was. We are to have the same character, thus identifying us. Jesus: he was humble, loving, hard working, and patient. When he was twelve and in the temple, he said he needed to do the will of his Father. That should be our wish, to do His will.

Philippians 2:5-7 New International Version (NIV)

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.

How is our association with God influenced by our negative attitudes?

Often we become too engrossed with other things to utilize our time to the work of the Lord. If we became too dismal and then in turn have a negative attitude. Satan would be ecstatic, but it would cause destruction to the work of God. If you have a negative attitude you would not be prone to work for the Lord. Do you know of anyone who would want someone with an unhappy attitude trying to teach others about God?



What are the benefits of a positive attitude?

By having a positive attitude, we willingly will do God’s work. Are you countering a seemingly hopeless dilemma at work, at home, or at school, by performing each small task and doing your best? We have many Biblical examples describing to us how a person’s positive attitude helped them.

Two stories come to mind when I think about how God turned odds around for two men: The Lord turned Joseph’s situation around. He will see your endeavors and can reverse even overpowering odds.

Positive attitudes can impact others. The people were belligerent and hopeless, but Moses assured them that God would rescue them. Moses had a positive attitude! When it seemed as if they were trapped, Moses called upon God to intercede. Instead of giving in to despair, we should borrow Moses’ attitude to “stand firm” and see the deliverance that the Lord will achieve.

A circumstance occurs in which our life is altered. This could be a catastrophe within our family or friends or a loss of a job or the loss of good health. Our perspective at any event that we encounter either helps us or hinders us. If an unpleasant incident occurs, we need to stop and consider our blessings. Positive attitudes will help overcome adversity. What is your approach when the task you have been given is not up to your true capability? The task at hand may be all you can do, or it may be the work God wants you to do.

Everything that you do is affected by the attitude that you possess. When someone has a negative attitude, it could turn them away from God. All that you do and say is being observed by others.

The observation is being done when you are unaware. Someone is always watching you. Your example is so significant. Negative attitudes lead to wrong choices. So many times our attitudes and conduct are formed by the values and actions of others. Have you ever made an incorrect choice because you desired to be like everyone else? We need to be cautious that the standards of our friends or heroes don’t pull us away from what God has said in His Word. Anytime God’s family wants to be like unbelievers, they are on the path leading to spiritual disaster.

In high school, many years ago, I had to study Ben Franklin. I came across one of his writings that has helped me with my attitude adjustments.


“The sentence which has most influenced my life is, ‘Some persons grumble because God placed thorns among roses. Why not thank God because He placed roses among thorns?’ I first read it when but a mere lad. Since that day it has occupied a front room in my life and has given it an optimistic trend.” (Benjamin Franklin)

To be meek is to have a disposition to see the roses among the thorns, rather than to complain about the thorns among the roses. Which do you see? Your answer will help you to judge whether you possess that meekness of which our Savior spoke.



I have learned, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, to be content in every state.

Hebrews 5:7-10 New International Version (NIV)

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Unflappable to the serenity of the Christian, whose adequacy isn’t in itself, but in God.

2 Corinthians 3:5 New International Version (NIV)

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

To keep my heart searching and longing for God. And to
Keep my heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life.

Proverbs 4:23 New International Version (NIV)

23 Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.


To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:6 New International Version (NIV)

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.



In this last verse, we are told that the worldly person is alive in the physical sense, but he is spiritually dead. The inner person is dead to God in all that he does and says. Even though someone might be moral, even religious, he lacks the spiritual life. We find in Romans 8:2 he needs the life we have in Christ Jesus.