Do you complain and whine about your circumstances? Are you ungrateful? Irritable or cranky? Always speak negatively? Do you get angry easily and blow up or pout? Are you ever harsh or unkind? Un-teachable? Sarcastic? Do you put down others instead of building them up? Do you worry about things God wants you to trust Him with? Are you fearful or anxious? Do you try to control people or circumstances? Impatient? Prideful or stubborn?
I agree with an anonymous quote that says, “A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You can’t go anywhere ’till you change it.” Attitude is described as a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior (Online Dictionary). It can be positive or negative, and a negative attitude would be the experience as described in the quote- flat tire.
Imagine a boss or employee with a negative attitude. What would it be like to spend your 8-12 hours with them? Hardly do we remember that our attitude towards others determines their attitude toward us. The impact can be draining or inspiring. Confronting the needs of others and that of ourselves brings out various attitudes in us. It is expected that our attitudes will be appropriate towards one another if that is the least we can do. Remember, we have no control over other people’s actions or reactions. However, we can control how we choose to act or react to them.
One of the Golden Rules given by the Lord Jesus Christ is to do to others as we would want them to do to us (Matt. 7:12). Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:3 also taught that we should esteem others above ourselves relating it to humility. Do you know that having a positive attitude can turn problems to blessings? Yes, being a problem solver can be a blessing to you and to others you help. So, let us work on having a positive attitude and perspective towards people and their circumstances.
I believe that there is a solution to every problems. We can be one or the other. We can choose to be people that helps others to solve problems, or we can be problematic ourselves, and be in need of a solution. A negative attitude will make us a problem to solve, and I do not think you and I need such attention. Let us be intentional about being positive in expressing our feelings and the choice of words we use towards each other. I pray the words of Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:29-32 and Philippians 4:8-9 encourages you to do so. Please read verses below👇
Ephesians 4:29-32
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Philippians 4:8-9
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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. “
Shalom!
