DECEMBER 1 ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING By Brian Baker Word of Life Local Church Ministries, North Regional Coordinator
Philippians 2:1-11 Author Kent Hughes had this to say about our attitude: “Next to our free salvation in Christ, our attitude is the most important thing we possess. Attitude is more important than circumstances, the past, money, successes, failures, our gifts, other’s opinions, even the facts.” Simply put, attitude is everything. When Paul wrote to the Philippian church, he commended them for many things – but not everything was perfect. There was disunity in the church, and when people are not getting along, there is usually an attitude problem. In the first several verses of Philippians 2, Paul encouraged them to have an attitude of humility. The example he used was Jesus (2:5-11). Based on these verses and the example of Jesus, here are three questions to help us see if our attitude is in check: 1. Am I willing to give up my rights? (v. 6) Jesus is God. At any moment, He could have called everything off. He had that right, but He did not act on it because He loves sinners. As followers of Jesus, before we charge into a situation with our rights on full display, consider giving up those rights for the sake of others and the gospel. 2. Am I willing to serve with no recognition? (v. 7) When Jesus was on earth, His followers were looking for Him to set up His Kingdom. Instead, He repeatedly served others. What? Shouldn’t others be serving Him? As believers, we should look to serve others instead of expecting others to serve us. 3. Am I willing to obey God, no matter the cost? (v. 8) I am sure His followers were just waiting for Him to show His power to the world. Instead, He willingly suffered and died a humiliating death. What if our obedience cost us something— even everything? Would we still be willing to obey?
Our response to these three questions is very revealing as to where our attitude really is. Be thankful we serve a Savior who always led by example.
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