There are elements of our personality that have the power to make us
or destroy us. They can cause us to ascend to awesome heights or descend
into the depths of misery. I am referring to our attitudes. Every
member of the human race has them, yet we are often unaware of the
influence they have on the formation of our character.
What is an attitude?
An attitude is a mental position one takes in relation to someone or
something. The mental position can be related to prayers, trials, people
and more. Attitudes can be good or bad, constructive or destructive,
edifying or discouraging. On the aesthetic scale they range from
beautiful to repellent, and although they might affect people around us,
they mostly bear on our own development and identity.
Attitudes never become part of us accidentally. We are not born with
them, but they are the result of a progressive creation we have
willfully fed. They might have been prompted by society or perhaps
triggered by a third party, but ultimately they are the product of our
individuality.
As much as the formation of attitudes depends on us, once we accept
them they have the power to form or deform our very character. Attitudes
are like molds. They have the power to shape us.
Specific attitudes are often related to a definite object. When the
triggering object is not present the attitude might be latent, but the
moment the object returns the attitude is revived and the person’s
actions or reactions become conditioned by it. The only thing that can
make us free at this point would be a change of attitude. Using the
words of Paul we can say, a mental transformation is possible since our
mind can be renewed (Romans 12:2). But this demands humility and a
certain amount of spiritual perception.
Our attitude towards trials
How do we face tribulations, trials or difficulties? Do we get
impatient, frustrated and discouraged, thinking that such ill fortunes
should never be part of our life? Do they have the power to demoralize
us, leading our soul to the periphery of depression and misery? Do we
look at them as enemies attempting to destroy our peace and happiness?
Or can we say, with the apostle Paul in Romans 5:3-4, that “we also
glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
and perseverance, character; and character, hope?”
Could it be that a large percentage of evangelical Christians prefer
to avoid tribulations altogether, seeing little meaning or value in
them? Our attitude towards tribulations will determine the way we are
going to face them. Paul and Silas were able to sing in prison because
their mind had been renewed (Acts 16:25). It had passed from worldliness
to heavenliness. It had experienced a demolition leading to a
reconstruction. So they were rejoicing and praising God where many of us
would have been depressed and disorientated.
Revising our attitudes: Knowing the truth
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and
acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
Attempting to revise our attitudes while conforming to this world is
an undertaking that has little chance of success, because the worldview
of our society opposes the one held by God. They are not only different;
they are in opposition to each other.
We have seen how the attitude Paul had towards tribulations was
related to knowledge. He knew tribulation produced perseverance; and
perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3,4). He was not
talking about mere Christian information, nor was he referring to
theological data. Paul was making reference to what he knew by
revelation.
Nothing can take the place of this sort of knowledge. One might have
graduated from three bible schools and yet curse any tribulation coming
his way. It is so because human information bears little on our conduct.
In contrast, the knowledge coming from above exposes and challenges our
character. It calls into question some of our attitudes and provokes
revisions. In the long term it has the power to beautify our character.
Writing to the Colossians Paul says: “I now rejoice in my suffering
for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of
Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church” (Colossians
1:24). Here we see the attitude the apostle had towards suffering: he
rejoiced in it.
Peter had the same attitude. In his first epistle he writes:
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice
inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you
may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12,13).
Let God transform your attitudes
These men had fellowship with the One whose attitudes express beauty
and perfection. They were, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror
the glory of the Lord, and were thus transformed into the same image
from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians
3:18). This is glory and exalted beauty.
As you grow closer to God, seek out ways in which He is trying to
transform your attitudes. Whether it is through trials and tribulations
that cause you to be humble and lean on Him, or through seasons of
plenty that give you the opportunity to bless others, be attentive to
God’s hand and the working of the Spirit in your life
Sunday, 17 July 2016
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On Attitudes
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