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When miffed over someones attitude, how is your own?

By PASTOR GARY C. LILLY

Restoration Church

Ever had a difficult time dealing with someone because of their attitude? Ever been the one, that people have difficulty with because of yours? There almost seems to be a “spirit” that comes along with an attitude. It can fill up a room with tension, stir up strife, put friendships at risk and provoke foolish decisions. Attitudes can be a force to be reckoned with.

As always — the word of God has the answer. Philippians 2:5 admonishes us to: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus …” The following verses describe with irrefutable, and edifying clarity, what it means to have the attitude of Christ.

First, and foremost, Jesus had the attitude of humility. Think about it — the word made flesh, God incarnate, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, the Son of God and Son of Man — humbled himself.

When we wrap our brain around that essential, and significant truth; we ought to indeed be humbled.

But he did not just humble himself — he humbled himself “by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” The disobedience of fallen man made the cross, drove the nails, wielded the sword — but the obedience of Jesus brought about the death of Jesus. No man could take his life — it had to be laid down willingly. We are saved today, and have the hope of eternal life; because a humble man born of a virgin, was obedient to the point of death.

The word “attitude” in the Greek New Testament means: “Setting your mind on a specific view and purpose.” If we have the same attitude as Jesus Christ; the following six “mind sets” will be evident in us:

¯ It’s not about me

¯ All that matters is the will of my Father

¯ I trust completely God’s Word and will

¯ It’s not about getting — it’s about giving

¯ Everything I do must be done in love

¯ To God be the glory

In these days of tension, pandemic, rioting and lawlessness, the church of Jesus Christ must be filled with believers who have the attitude of Christ. If we are to be the salt of the earth, and the light of the world, we must think like Jesus, talk like Jesus, and walk like Jesus. The world is not impressed with mere religion, nor is it redeemed by clever human strategies — but it is in desperate need of the one who laid down his life for us all.

(Lilly is pastor of the Restoration Church in Weirton.)

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