HavingA Good Attitude

 In our Christian life, attitude is something that is very important. Let us look at this area of our lives:

• What Kind Of Attitude Should I Have?

“Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form” (Philippians 2:5-7, NLT).

Attitude means “approach, outlook, manner, stance, position, feelings, mind-set, way of thinking, opinion, point of view, viewpoint.” Jesus is our example and wonderful model. In Him we clearly see displayed the attitude of God to men:

"You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them.  But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave.  For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28, NLT).

Mary. Let us look at Mary the mother of Jesus. Mary certainly displayed an amazing attitude. The angel Gabriel appeared to her, calling her “highly favoured and blessed among women” (Luke 1:28). Mary’s attitude was, “Let it be to me according to Your word.” She was a woman of faith and of high character.

• How do we handle sharp rebukes from family and friends?

I think Mary had a beautiful attitude, and a tremendous character. She had a gift of simplicity, and a meek and quiet spirit, showed self-control, and also had a gracious gift of silence. Another time, Mary and Jesus’ brothers wanted to see Jesus while He was busy teaching the multitudes – (perhaps to warn Him of impending trouble or danger?) But here again we see Jesus mildly rebuke her, declaring that the bond between Him and His disciples was stronger than any family ties (Luke 8:19-21).

The Scriptures don’t mention Mary again until she stands at the foot of the cross (John 19: 25-27). Mary held fast to her belief in Jesus’ Messiahship – even though it appeared to be ending in tragedy. From the Cross Jesus gave Mary over to the care of the beloved disciple John. The last mention of Mary is in the upper room in Jerusalem, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:34).

Mary’s unhesitating acceptance showed her devout and obedient heart. She was willing to risk disgrace and divorce to comply with God’s command. Mary yielded herself, her reputation, her relationship, and her destiny to the Holy Spirit. She suffered rejection, pain, and the tremendous agony of seeing her Son suffer and die on the Cross.

Mary is a tremendous example of a right attitude. Her attitude was, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever He wants.”  

• How is your attitude?

• Are you willing to be so yielded to the Holy Spirit no matter the cost?  - Jean Francis.

Bible  Readings: Philippians 2 

Please Pray This Prayer:

“Lord, let Your Holy Spirit so work in my heart that I will always know a good attitude – toward You, toward my fellow Christians, and toward all in the world today. Give me wisdom to know when I am stepping outside the realm of good attitudes, so I will not become a stumbling block to others.Help me to learn from the life and example of Mary, so my life can be lived ‘according to Your Word’ (Luke 1:38). In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

 The Gospel Faith Messenger Ministry,  New Zealand. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.