CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE PART 1

Text - Philippians 2:5

Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Introduction

This morning I am going to begin a series of sermons that I will be preaching throughout the month of April on Sunday mornings on the subject of "Attitudes".

It has been said that, "There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.”

Webster's dictionary defines "attitude" as, "a mental position or feeling that we have towards someone or something."

Attitudes make a difference.  For example,  whether ours is a send-down-fire attitude as the disciples had in Luke 9:54, or a Lord- forgive them attitude as Steven had in Acts 7:60; our attitude will largely determine what we say and do.  The Bible tells us in Proverbs 23:7 that "As a man thinks, so is he."

I am sure that all of us from time to time have witnessed an ugly spirit or attitude that brought about great harm either within our individual lives or within our church life.  A bad or negative attitude can spoil almost any situation.  On the other hand, a good or positive attitude will enhance, or make right almost any adverse condition that may exist.

Through this series of sermons we will examine what our attitude should be towards Jesus, what our attitude should be towards one another and what our attitude should be towards ourselves.

This morning I would like us to examine how our attitude affects those whom we come in contact with.  While our attitude many times affects what we ourselves may say or do, our attitude can also greatly affect and influence those we come in contact with.

A woman was waiting in the check-out line at a shopping center.

Her arms were laden with a mop, a broom, and other cleaning supplies.

By her actions and deep sighs, it was obvious that she was in an extreme hurry, and was not happy about the slowness of the line.

When the cashier called for a price check on a box of soap, the woman remarked indignantly, "Well, I'll be lucky to get out of here and home before Easter!"

"Don't worry, ma'am," replied the clerk. "With that wind kicking up out there and that brand new broom, you'll be home in no time."

As children of God we should be careful that our attitude is one that will encourage those around us to want to know more about our savior and want to draw closer to him in service.  Too often though, we as God's people fail to do this and as a result discourage not only the lost but our own brothers and sisters in Christ through our negative or bad attitudes.

What are some of the negative attitudes we sometimes have that can be discouraging and need to be changed?  What kind of attitude should I have?  In what ways do I need to change my attitude?