the response others will take to ward us. While we are never to forget that we are basically sinners from the moment we enter this world, that does not mean, how ever, that we go through life in self- deprecation. As far as my accept ability to God I have absolutely nothing to offer. It is only because of the merit of Jesus Christ that I can have God's blessing with the assurance of eternal life. At the same time I need to re member that I am something. First of all, I am the object of God's love and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Through the grace of His Son I have been called, created in the very image of God. This is both a healthy and Biblical attitude to take toward myself. There are literally millions of people living narrow, darkened, frustrated lives. Those who would be effective witnesses for Christ must evaluate themselves as well as others in a proper framework. When you want to achieve some thing take the attitude that there are many more reasons why you can reach the goal than why you cannot. Set out to achieve it. As our pattern we know that Christ Himself was success-oriented. He testified, “ I come to do thy will, O God." Paul knew what the Lord has called him to accomplish. He had a wholesome attitude which has no real substitute. What kind of an attitude do you have toward God? Is it positive? How about your feelings in relation to your church? Do the people in the fellowship bother you? Do you consider them beneath you in some way? A little bit of this poor "atti tude fuel" will build a great fire of bitterness and cynicism. We should cultivate a disposition of love, com
passion and friendliness for others. Resentment, envy and fear need not be a part of our personal make up. One great danger we so often see exhibited is defensiveness. We seem to resent any correction or suggestions. Our minds are closed with a fear of what other people may think about us. While there is much about our destinies we can not control, our attitude is not one of them. If we do have a spirit of distaste for criticism, we can teach ourselves, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that some of these experiences are for our good. As you face difficult situations remember it is your attitude at the beginning of a task which will largely affect the outcome. We are creatures of inter-dependence. It is impossible for us to do that to which God has called us without other people. Our thoughts con cerning them is of supreme impor tance. Since your mind can only hold one thought at a time, why not make that concept something that can be helpful and beneficial. The deepest human craving is to be needed and to feel important. Show appreciation to those with whom you work, others in the church fellowship, or your neigh bors and you will see some tremen dous transformations. There will be a wholesome responsiveness. Part of a good attitude is to look for the best in others. Work pro gressively and wholesomely for that which the Lord would have you accomplish for His glory. Be gin today to take more seriously this whole matter of attitude. It can revolutionize your life in every area of inter-personal relationships. Page 39
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