Attitude Is Everything

"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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
~Philippians 4:8-9

Have you ever known someone who is always negative? I have known a couple of people who, for as long as I can remember, have never had a positive thing to say. Every social media post is a rant about how someone wronged them, spoke ill about them, or otherwise offended them. They complain about everything and everyone in their life. They are so unhappy, it feels as if they think spreading their negative attitudes around will somehow change how they feel. FYI, it won't, but it will make people not want to be around them!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23)."

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we receive His Spirit, and the product is the above verse. We may not see that fruit all at once, but we should, at least, feel His peace, kindness, gentleness, and have joy. We may have to practice patience and self-control but the longer we walk with the Lord, the more evident the Fruit of the Spirit should be in our lives.

I have known a particular person for many years who is a pastor but if I had only known them through social media, I would not have been able to tell. As Christians, and especially as pastors, we are to model Jesus to the world. When we act like everyone else, why would anyone want to be a Christian? We are to be set apart from the world, and certainly, God holds us to a higher standard. Why aren't some Christians holding themselves to God's standard?

"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless (James 1:26)."


"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)."

If our minds are not renewed by the Holy Spirit, the words we speak and write are not going to be honorable, pure or lovely like Philippians 4 tells us to be. When we continually pour negativity into the world, we are going to see more negativity in our lives. Jesus was not negative, He walked in the light of life. If we truly follow Him, we will follow His footsteps and walk in his light.

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29)."

Read Deuteronomy 6-8

A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018