How important is attitude?
Introduction. Attitude is defined as: "manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., toward a person or things" (Random House College Dict., pg. 87). The Bible teaches, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Prov. 23: 7). Man's thinking, then, determines who and what he is.
Attitude is elemental. As we have seen, attitude or thinking is primary and causes a man to be what he is. Jesus taught that a man's deeds are begun and determined by the man's thinking or heart, good and bad (Matt. 15: 16-20). The reason many are not saved is because their thinking or attitudes are not conducive to their salvation. Belief and repentance are designed to change our attitudes (Mk. 1: 15). Repentance and true belief dictate our actions (2 Cor. 7: 10-11; Jas. 2: 14-26).
Some good attitudes seen in the Bible. There are many good examples worthy of our mimicking. We need to have the attitude of the man whom Jesus healed regarding prayer (John 9: 31). We need the attitude of dependence on God as manifested by Peter (John 6: 68-69). Paul had a commendable mental posture concerning contentment (Phili. 4: 11-13), John on sin (1 John 1: 7-10), and Barnabas regarding giving (Acts 4: 35-38). Cornelius is an outstanding example of spiritual promptitude and submissiveness (Acts 10: 11).
The very epitome of good attitudes is seen in the Son of God. His attitude toward God and His authority is without equal. Hear Him: "...my meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work" (John 4: 34). His attitude toward government and His fellow man are exemplary to say the least. What are your attitudes? How do you view God's word, heaven and hell, and obedience? Remember, our attitudes make us what we are! We need to constantly examine our attitudes and make corrections as needed.
Attitude is elemental. As we have seen, attitude or thinking is primary and causes a man to be what he is. Jesus taught that a man's deeds are begun and determined by the man's thinking or heart, good and bad (Matt. 15: 16-20). The reason many are not saved is because their thinking or attitudes are not conducive to their salvation. Belief and repentance are designed to change our attitudes (Mk. 1: 15). Repentance and true belief dictate our actions (2 Cor. 7: 10-11; Jas. 2: 14-26).
Some good attitudes seen in the Bible. There are many good examples worthy of our mimicking. We need to have the attitude of the man whom Jesus healed regarding prayer (John 9: 31). We need the attitude of dependence on God as manifested by Peter (John 6: 68-69). Paul had a commendable mental posture concerning contentment (Phili. 4: 11-13), John on sin (1 John 1: 7-10), and Barnabas regarding giving (Acts 4: 35-38). Cornelius is an outstanding example of spiritual promptitude and submissiveness (Acts 10: 11).
The very epitome of good attitudes is seen in the Son of God. His attitude toward God and His authority is without equal. Hear Him: "...my meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work" (John 4: 34). His attitude toward government and His fellow man are exemplary to say the least. What are your attitudes? How do you view God's word, heaven and hell, and obedience? Remember, our attitudes make us what we are! We need to constantly examine our attitudes and make corrections as needed.