7 Ways To Develop The Right Kind Of Attitude

WRITTEN BY HAROLD HERRING. .

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If you want things to be different in your life. . .the number one thing you need to change is not your job,
circumstances, environment, relationships or income. . .it’s YOU.
You must first change your attitude.  Now your attitude can be either good or bad.  That’s why I want to be very
specific.
Your attitude is determined by the collection of the dominant thoughts in your mind.  So in determining the
proper kind of attitude for change. . .we must look at Philippians 2:5 in the New Living Translation which says:
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Years ago, people were wearing bracelets with the initials of a very probing question.  “WWJD” asks “What Would
Jesus Do.”
Before you ever do. . .you think.  So perhaps a more probing question would be.
“WWJT” or “What would Jesus think.”
I want to repeat a phrase because I want to make sure you grasp the full implications of the phrase.
Before you ever do anything. . .you need to think. . .like He would think!
The great news is that you can know with absolutely certainty what Jesus thinks.  All that is required is for you to: 
Read Your Bible…Do What It Says.
Napoleon Hill, the author of Think And Grow Rich once said:
“What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
However, if you have a negative and/or bad attitude. . .you will not conceive or believe it and you most
certainly. . .will not achieve your goals.
Success will never come to you. . .unless you’re willing to change your attitude. . .which will change by what you
feed your mind.
It’s also important to understand that success will never manifest around you until it’s established within you.
Developing the right kind of attitude within you. . .is a scriptural and spiritual assignment.
Here are the seven ways to develop the right kind of attitude.
1.         Where do you get the right kind of attitude?
Ephesians 4:23 in the Amplified Bible says:

“And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude].”
The scripture gets very specific when discussing the kind of attitude you should have.
Philippians 2:5 in the New Living Translation says:
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
The Contemporary English Version of Philippians 2:5 puts it this way:
“And think the same way that Christ Jesus thought.”
You may be thinking… “that sounds good but how do I receive or develop that kind of attitude.”
Seven words.
Read your Bible. . .do what it says.
If you’re having trouble in your marriage. . .you must get rid of your old attitudes about your spouse. . .before you
can embrace a new mindset.
If you’re having trouble with your children. . .you must get rid of your old attitudes about them. . .before you can
embrace a new mindset.
If you’re having trouble with your boss and/or job. . .you must get rid of your old attitudes about him/her. . .before
you can embrace a new mindset.
You must change. . .renovate your thinking before you can replace the old with the new.
Romans 12:2 in the King James Version says:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is
that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
According to Strong’s Concordance the Greek word for renewing is anakainōsis (G342) which means:  “renewing,
renovation.”
When you renovate a house. . .you may take out the old unsafe electrical wiring and put in the new.  You pull out the
old flooring and add in the new flooring.  You are replacing what isn’t wanted with what is.
If you’re renewing your mind. . .you take out the old way of thinking and put in the new.  That’s why I love the New
Living Translation of Romans 12:2 which says:
“. . .Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. . .”
You and no one else. . .brings the change in your life. . .you determine your attitude and the kind of day you
will have.
2.         Prior proper planning preparing your attitude for tomorrow.
Seven things for you to do before you go to sleep each night.
First, create a to-do list of the things you plan to accomplish tomorrow.  List them by priorities based on your
goals in the six major areas of your life. . .spiritual, family, financial, physical, mental and social.
Be like Santa. . .make your list. . .check it twice.
Second, journal the great things that happened to you during the day.  Regardless of how your day went. . .you
have something to rejoice over.  If nothing else and I mean nothing else. . .you have the ability to read and hear the
words I’m speaking from my notes.
I GUARANTEE … you’ll sleep better at night if you end your day by Praising God.
Third, create a nightly confession about tomorrow being the best day of your life.  Something like this.
"Heavenly Father, I thank you <<date>> will be the greatest <<day>> of my life...a day filled with opportunities
beyond my imagination and expectation.  A day filled with revelatory insight and divine connections.  My desire is
for you to be glorified in everything I do on <<day, date>>.  In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen."
Fourth, never go to bed mad or frustrated with your spouse or children.  If it’s something that can’t be resolved
instantly, write out the problem briefly on a sheet of paper.  Pray over it. . .lay it on your night stand. . .and ask God
to deal with it while He’s giving you sweet sleep.
Proverbs 3:24 says:
“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”
Fifth, clean up. . .pick up. . .so you’ll be ready to get up.  Do the dishes and clean up your living area before going
to bed.  Believe it or not, you’ll be glad you did in the morning.  It may seem like a small thing. . .but it gives you a
better start on the day when you don’t have a lot of left over chores to face first thing.
Sixth, lay out what you plan to wear tomorrow.  This will save you time in the morning, eliminate indecision,
wipe out time delays and ultimately save you some frustration.
Seventh, plan how you will dress your mind tomorrow.  Lay out what CDs or teachings you will listen to on your
smart phone.  Never just settle for what happens to be airing on your commute. . .it needs to be a conscious decision
on your part.
3.         Begin your day with happy hour.  I’m not talking about alcoholic spirits. . .I’m talking about getting high
with the Holy Spirit. . .during the first hour of your day.
My scriptural guide for the morning is found in Psalm 5:3 in the New International Version which says:
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."
My morning expectation brings daily manifestation and His rewards.
Proverbs 24:14 in the Amplified Bible says:
“So shall you know skillful and godly Wisdom to be thus to your life; if you find it, then shall there be a future and a
reward, and your hope and expectation shall not be cut off."
Many mornings. . .I get ready for the day by listening to “O Happy Day” by the Edwin Hawkins Singers. . .because
that’s what I’m going to have … a Happy Day.
Begin each day filled with supernatural expectation about the manifestation of God’s presence, peace,
protection, promises, power, promotion and provision.
And by the way, it’s not unusual for me to play “O Happy Day” three, four or five times consecutively.
Begin every day with a positive expectancy about supernatural favor, divine connections, revelatory insight and yes,
and even your goals being accomplished.
Let me ask you a question.
Do you expect to feel His presence during your prayer, Bible reading and meditation time each morning?
If not, why not?  Maybe it’s because of the way you’re beginning your day.
4.         “Keep the main thing. . .the main thing.”  Stephen Covey in his powerful book “Seven Secrets Of Highly
Effective People” said:
“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”
If you have not read this book . . .I strongly encourage you to do so.
The main thing. . .is another way of saying “stay focused.”
Jesus was focused.  He knew why He was here.
Luke 19:10 says:
“For the Son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost.”
Jesus stayed focused on His mission. . .He kept the main thing the main thing.
John 9:4 in The Living Bible says:
“All of us must quickly carry out the task assigned us by the one who sent me for there is little time left before the
night falls and all work comes to an end.”
Earlier in this teaching I suggested you create a daily “to-do list.”  This list should be a reflection of your goals and
the timeline you’ve created to accomplish them on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly plan.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or computer geek to break down your goals into a doable plan.  If you have
difficulty. . .just send me an email and I will help.  However, remember the word “concise” when emailing me.
When you’re accomplishing things on your to-do list. . .it pumps you up and gives you a whole new attitude about
your ability to accomplish the things God has stirred in your spirit.
You will also find it beneficial to create and monitor your own “not to-do list.”  Things such as:
Don’t spend time talking with negative people. . .if you have a choice.
Stay away from news programs that fill your mind with negative events.
Be careful of time vampires. . .who will suck the very time out of your day and life.
I could go on. . .but I believe you will notice that I just suggest staying away from negative people and events. .
.again, where you have a choice.
What kind of friends do I want to hang around with?  You can find the answer by reading The Message Bible
translation of 3 John 2 which says:
“We're the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your
everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul!”
Negative people tend to break your focus and hinder your ability to keep the main thing the main thing.
5.         What you sow you will REAP but not what you may be thinking.  This is not primarily about seedtime
and harvest though it could be.
REAP stands for “Recognition, Encouragement, Appreciation and Praise.”  There will be times when you will need
to engage in self-talk and motivation to keep your attitude where it needs to be.
If you don’t have a domestic support staff. . .meaning a spouse or children who can encourage you by speaking a
word in season. . .by bringing a little positive sunshine in your attitude. . .here are three things you should do.
First, recognize the role you play in motivating and encouraging yourself.
1 Samuel 30:6 says:
“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was
grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”
In times of great trouble, danger and distress. . .when all seemed lost. . .the scripture says that David encouraged
himself in the Lord.
David and his men returned from battle to find the enemy had stolen their wives, children, possessions and
valuables.  All they found in their camp was the smoldering remains from the fires of enemy invaders.
David’s men. . .who had been so loyal to him . . .were ready to turn on him and stone him to death. . .but the
scripture says “David encouraged himself in the Lord.”
Just so you know. . .there will be moments where you need to encourage and recognize yourself.
Second, you may have to appreciate your efforts because nobody else does.  So it’s just you and the Lord.
1 Corinthians 16:18 in The Living Bible says:
“They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to
all who serve so well.”
Third, Praise God for what He has done and is doing through your life.
Psalm 35:28 in the Amplified Bible offers some pretty good advice:
“And my tongue shall talk of Your righteousness, rightness, and justice, and of [my reasons for] Your praise all the
day long.”
Without question, if you want to feel the presence of the Lord fast, then start praising Him.
Recognition, appreciation and praise. . .bring encouragement which affects your attitude.  There was a time in my
life when I created my own awards ceremony recognizing what God had allowed me to accomplish.
6.         Be a doer. . .not a talker. . .not a tryer. . .but a doer.  The best way to develop the God-kind of attitude is
by being a doer.
Just having a positive mental attitude is not enough.  I’ve met some super positive people who never accomplish a
thing in their lives. . .because they weren’t doers of the Word.
You may have read hundreds of books on having a positive mental attitude, heard thousands of sermons, watched
dozens of Christian television programs, attended motivational seminars and Holy Spirit conferences, run around the
sanctuary of your church, fallen out in the spirit BUT if you aren’t doing—PRACTICING what you’ve heard then
you are deceiving yourself.
James 1:22 says:
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
According to Strong’s Concordance the word doer is the Greek work poiētēs (G4163) and it means:
“a maker, a producer, author,  a doer, performer; one who obeys or fulfills the law.”
Nowhere in that definition do we read where a doer is a talker.
James 1:22 in the Amplified Bible says:                                                                         
“But be doers of the Word (obey the message), and not merely listening to it; betraying yourselves [into deception
by reasoning contrary to the truth.].”
                                                                                   
“Obey the message.”  What is the message that God wants you to obey?  He wants you to do what He says.
When Peter heard Jesus say “Come” he received the authority to get out of the boat, however nothing would have
ever happened if he just heard the word.  It was only when Peter became a doer of the word that he was able to get
out of the boat.
The word Peter heard gave him more than a positive attitude it “empowered” him but still he had to take the first
step.  God has given us His Word to energize our faith. . .to get us out of the boat.
It’s time for each of us to stop talking about what we’re going to do and just do it.
When you do. . .you accomplish. . .which not only gives you personal satisfaction. . .it gives your Heavenly Father
pleasure in you.
7.         The God-kind of attitude will allow you to do what others say can’t be done.
The right kind of attitude. . .the kind Jesus had. . .will allow you to persist through adversity
until you gain the victory.  No matter what the naysayers. . .say.
A six-year old boy was sent home from school with a note from his teacher recommending
that he removed from school because he was “too stupid to learn.”  The boy was Thomas
Edison
In 1929 movie studio mogul Samuel Goldwyn was furious with his casting director for
arranging a screen test of an unknown actress.  He said:  “What are you guys trying to do to
me?  You think I’m going to hire a dame with those big pop-eyes who talks funny like she
does?”
Several years later, Samuel Goldwyn paid top dollar for that young woman to star in some of
his hit movies.  Here name:  Betty Davis.
Englishman David Puttnam offered his latest screenplay to Columbia Pictures only to
receive this response.  “I’m sorry to tell you this has no validity at all in the American
marketplace, because of the style and tone as well as the subject matter.”
Later, that motion picture Chariots of Fire won the 1981 Oscar for Best Picture.
How about this quote?
“The cheek of every American must tingle with shame as he reads the silly, flat, and
dish-watery utterances of a man who has to be pointed out to intelligent foreigners as
President of the United States.”
The quote was from the Chicago Times. . .in 1865. . .the day after Lincoln’s Gettysburg
Address.
Someone once said:
“The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can't be done is
generally interrupted by someone doing it.”
Never let anyone else’s words or demeanor affect your attitude and purpose in life.
I used to have a cross-stitch quote which said:
“The greatest joy in life is doing what others say can’t be done.”
How do you do it?  Developing, maintaining and strengthening the God-kind of attitude.
James 5:16 in the Amplified Bible  says:
". . .The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power
available [dynamic in its working]." 
Tap into this power. . .it’s an attitude changer.
2. THE POWER OF ATTITUDE
Next to knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, nothing is more important than
having a good positive attitude. Your attitude can:

MAKE OR BREAK YOU

HEAL OR HURT YOU

MAKE YOU FRIENDS OR MAKE YOU ENEMIES

MAKE YOU HAPPY OR MAKE YOU MISERABLE

MAKE YOU A SUCCESS OR MAKE YOU A FAILURE

Some people think that the whole world stinks. Once a cranky grandpa laid down to
take a nap. To have a little fun, his grandson put some limburger cheese on his
mustache, right under his nose. Grandpa awoke with a snort, staggered out of the
bedroom and shouted, "This room stinks!" On through the house he went, shouting
louder, "This whole house stinks!" He charged out on the porch and shouted as loud as
he could, "The whole world stinks!" The truth is, it was grandpa who stunk. The
problem was right under his own nose.

95 times out of 100, when we begin to feel that things in life stink, the problem is not
with the world or with others, but with ourselves. The problem is that our attitude has
become negative. Change you negative attitudes to positive ones, and you can change
your world.

Someone had rightly said that attitude not aptitude determines ones altitude in life.

Beginning today and lasting for the next several weeks we are going to talk about
attitude. And this topic applies to everyone here, because we all have attitudes;
sometimes they’re good, sometimes they’re not so good, and other times they’re just
plain nasty.

Many of the ideas that we’ll be sharing for this series are from a book called The
Awesome Power of Attitude written by Dale Galloway. I received this book free a
couple of weeks ago when I attended a seminar that he was giving up in Winter Park
on Building leadership. As I said I received the book free (explain) most of the books
had do with attitude and getting along with people, maybe God was trying to tell me
something.

Now today we just want to introduce the subject, lay the ground work for where we’ll be
heading. And we will do that by revealing 3 facts about your attitude...

1. FACT #1; YOUR ATTITUDE - REVEALS THE REAL YOU

How important is your attitude? Your attitude is more important than: facts -
circumstances - what others say - it’s more important than your past - your education
and your money. Your attitude is more important than anything else.

And Understand that your attitude is much deeper than just a few thoughts you might
think or not think. Your attitude comes out of the core of your being. Your attitude
represents your disposition, your outlook, your very character.
The Bible says in Pr 23:7; "For as a man thinks in his heart, so he is..." (NKJV)

ILLUSTRATION;

> JAR OF WATER -- PUT A LID ON IT LOOSELY -- SHAKE THE JAR VIGOROUSLY
UNTIL WATER FALLS OUT.

> ASK PEOPLE WHY THE WATER SPILLED?

. LID LOOSE

. JAR SHOOK

. GRAVITY

NO, THE REASON THE WATER CAME OUT WAS BECAUSE THE JAR WAS FILLED
WITH WATER. WHAT’S ON THE INSIDE IS WHAT COMES OUT.

Jesus said, in

MATTHEW 15:17-20

Your attitudes always become actions or reactions.

Let’s visualize it this way... The attitudes inside you are like a jack-in-the box. Have you
ever played with one of them? You turn the little handle (all around the mulberry..) and
the when you least expect it - he pops out. Now that’s a vivid picture of our attitude,
when we least expect it, they will pop out and cause other people to like or dis-like us.

You see, much Louder than the words you speak is your attitude that keeps telling
people what you are really like.

Personally I find this truth that my attitude reveals the real me - to be quit sobering. I
like to say, like many others do, when I do or say something that obviously wasn’t the
right thing, "I didn’t mean it, where did that come from," - it came from inside.

When I have a negative, nasty, critical attitude that’s the real me and when you have
one that’s the real you.

Understand we don’t have an attitude just because we had a bad day (all that a bad
day can ever do is shake our jar). The reason you have a bad attitude is because you
have a bad attitude inside of you/inside of your jar.

FACT #1; YOUR ATTITUDE REVEALS THE REAL YOU.

FACT #2 YOUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES THE SUCCESS AND FAILURE OF

EVERY RELATIONSHIP IN YOUR LIFE.

What a difference your attitude makes! Your attitude affects every relationship in your
life. And sometimes relationships will never get started in the first place -- because
many times your attitude has built up walls... making it difficult for people to be around
you.
3. YOUR ATTITUDE WILL DETERMINE YOUR ALTITUDE
(PHIL. 4:4-8)

What is attitude?

Attitude is the EYE of your soul! Your attitude determines how you view life.

If your attitude is negative, you will see life positively. If your attitude is positive, you will

see life positively. If you have a thankful attitude, you will see things you encounter as

gifts to be thankful for. “I may not be able to change the world I see around me but I can

change the way I see the world within me!”

No wonder the Scripture says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Phil. 4:4) Being

joyful is not a matter of chance or circumstance. It is a matter of deciding to rejoice! And

since the decision of whether or not we will rejoice is left up to us, Paul reiterates the

command: “I will say it again; Rejoice!”

HOW TO CORRECT MY ATTITUDE’S VISION

--Rejoice!!! (vs 4)

---Celebrate God all day, everyday!

--Start by getting up each morning, saying

“Good morning, Lord!”

instead of “Good Lord, it’s morning!”

The world will seem brighter to you if you will face it with a whistle rather than a

whine. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies

within us. God chooses what we go through. We choose how we go through it!

Attitude is the EYE of your soul! Your attitude determines how you view life.

Attitude is the FACE of your life! Your attitude determines how you appear to

others. Other people mirror the attitude they sense we have. Jesus put it like this: “The

way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” When the attitude we possess places

others FIRST and we see people as important, then your perspective will reflect their

viewpoint, not yours. Until we walk in the other person’s shoes and see life through

another’s eyes, we will be like the man who angrily jumped out of his car after a collision

with another car. “Why don’t you people watch where you’re driving?” You’re the fourth

car I’ve hit today!”

HOW TO GIVE YOUR ATTITUDE A FACE LIFT

Apostle Paul says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” (Phil. 4:5)

The word here translated “gentleness” is one of the most untranslatable words in the New

Testament. The best translation of the word is reasonableness. The hardest time to be

gentle and reasonable is when we know we are right and someone else is obviously dead

wrong. Your face will be turned against them. The face of Christianity will appear

deformed to those you and I come in contact with if our attitude toward them is wrong.

And we can even be wrong in our effort to be right!

Luke 9:51-56

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for

Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get

things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading

for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you

want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them? But Jesus turned and rebuked

them, and they went to another village.”

When in our determination to be bold we become brazen, the face of Christianity

becomes deformed. We may be right but we don’t look right.

What do we look like when in our desire to be frank and become rude? The

Christian who boasts that he always calls a spade a spade is likely to end up calling

everything a spade. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a

multitude of sins.” (1 Pet 4:8) If we always run others down, we will soon appear to be

a very low down person.

Our attitude deforms the face of Christianity when in our effort to be watchful we

become suspicious. Some people find enemies where there are no enemies. Ever notice

how certain people are hostile to everyone who disagrees with them? Paul says, “Let your

gentleness be evident to all.” (vs. 5) Satan cares little whether we go astray after a false

doctrine or merely turn sour. Either way he wins!

How do we give our attitude a facelift? Make it as clear as you can to all you meet

that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them!

What would happen if for one week, you treated every person you met as if they

were the most important person in the world? Attitude is the FACE of your life! Your
4. OVERCOMING A BAD ATTITUDE
by Fenton Moorhead

OVERCOMING A BAD ATTITUDE

A COWBOY APPLIED FOR HEALTH INSURANCE, AND THE AGENT ROUTINELY

ASKED IF HE HAD ANY ACCIDENTS THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THE COWBOY
REPLIED, "NO. BUT I WAS BITTEN BY A RATTLESNAKE, AND A HORSE
KICKED ME IN THE RIBS. THAT LAID ME UP FOR A WHILE."
]THE AGENT SAID, "WEREN'T THOSE ACCIDENTS?"
"NO" REPLIED THE COWBOY, "THEY DID IT ON PURPOSE."

WE NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN AROUND SNAKES AND HORSES.

IT IS THE NATURAL ATTITUDE OF A SNAKE TO BITE AND A HORSE TO
KICK.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR ATTITUDE? ARE YOU A KICKER OR A BITER BY NATURE?

LAST WEEK WE EXAMINED THE SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE "DEADLY POISON",

THE SNAKE VENOM OF WORDS, THAT CAN COME OUT OF OUR MOUTHS.

JAMES TEACHES THAT OUR HEARTS ARE LIKE A WELL OF WATER WITHIN
US.

*WHAT IS IN THE WELL COMES OUT IN THE WATER.

*YOU DON'T PAINT THE OUTSIDE OF THE PUMP. YOU GO TO THE SOURCE.

A BAD OR GOOD ATTITUDE COMES OUT OF THAT WELL INSIDE EACH OF US.

OUR OBJECTIVE TODAY.....

OVERCOME THE BAD ATTITUDES THAT DESTROY RELATIONSHIPS,

THAT BRING CONFLICT INTO OUR HOMES AND LIVES,

AND ESTABLISH AND NURTURE A GOOD ATTITUDE THAT HONORS GOD AND
BLESSES PEOPLE.

A GOOD ATITTUDE IS NOT MERE PSYCHOLOGICAL HYPE, WHERE YOU TALK

YOURSELF INTO A POSITIVE APPRAOCH TO LIFE, BUT THE RESULT OF
WHAT THE BIBLE CALLS WISDOM.

PRO 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost

all you have, get understanding.

IN THE BIBLE WISDOM IS MORE THAN TALKING SMART.

GLAD I DIDN'T SAY THAT

IN 1958 AN EMINENT CEO SAID, "THE WORLD COULD USE ABOUT ...
5.

Check Your Attitude

By Dale A. Robbins

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word

"attitude" means "an internal position or feeling with regard to
something else." Other words often used as synonyms are: "disposition, feeling, mood, opinion,
sentiment, temper, tone, perspective, frame of mind, outlook, view, or morale."

Airplane pilots often use "attitude" to describe their horizontal relationship with the runway then they
land. If their attitude isn’t aligned properly, the plane will make contact with the ground at the wrong
angle and it will cause them to crash.

In essence, your attitude is your inward disposition toward other things, such as people or
circumstances. As in with an airplane, attitude is applied whenever you must deal with something
other than yourself. According to God’s word, when you become a Christian, a part of your new
creation is the development of new attitudes — your attitude should become like that of Jesus. The
Bible says, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:" (Philippians 2:5). "You were
taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off the old self, which is being corrupted by its
deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds." (Ephesians 4:22 NIV)

Bad Attitudes

Most of us can easily identify bad attitudes when they are displayed outwardly in our words or
actions, such a negativeness, criticalness, rebellion, defiance, impatience, uncooperative, apathy,
discouragement, independence, presumption, arrogance, self-centeredness, rudeness and such like.
These are examples of bad attitudes which Christians should reject. However, keep in mind, attitudes
are inner dispositions of the heart and thoughts — they are the hidden intentions which will eventually
serve as the basis for our actions. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Prov. 23:7). In reality, no
one else really knows the thoughts of your heart, except you and God. Consequently, attitude is
something that only you and God can work out — a change which must take place inwardly.

An example of a bad attitude is seen in George Brown. He went to church cheerfully as long as his
business continued to prosper — as long as everything went well for him. He sang joyfully in the
choir, he rarely missed a service. But when hard times set in George began to drop away. He
became resentful toward God, even critical of other Christians.

The right attitude to have when difficulty comes is to persevere in faith and draw nearer to God — to
fall at the feet of Jesus. The Bible makes it clear that God works all things together for our good when
we love Him, and the testing of our faith is for our benefit. Trouble will never defeat the person with a
right attitude.

Another bad attitude can be seen in Sally Smith. She had been a Christian for nearly two years. She
loved the lord and was growing as a Christian, but was still battling sins of the flesh — and
occasionally fell back into the temptation of drunkenness. One evening the pastor and his family were
entering a restaurant, when he noticed Sally slouching at the distant bar, obviously intoxicated. The
next Sunday after service, the pastor and his wife took Sally aside privately, and warned her gently
about the sins of drunkenness.

The pastor read scripture from Galations chapter 5. "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which
are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies,
outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries,
and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice
such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).

The pastor encouraged Sally to repent of this activity and prayed with her, but she was deeply
offended by the pastor’s forthrightness. She immediately changed churches and afterward would
often be heard "bad-mouthing" that church and pastor.

The better attitude would have been for this woman to be humble and submissive toward the pastor’s
loving correction of sin, which was based upon God’s Word (2 Tim. 4:2, 1 Cor. 5:11-13, Gal. 5:19-21,
Gal. 6:1). As a general rule, persons who have a bad attitude toward authority figures, always have a
problem with God.

Good Attitudes
According to scripture, your attitude toward life, your circumstances, or toward other people should
always be like the Lord’s — as is defined by scripture. Good attitudes are generally demonstrated in
being positive, encouraging, loving, humble, teachable, cooperative, considerate, selfless, loyal,
persevering and so forth (Gal. 5:22-23).

To God — Our attitude should be reverence, submission, love, trust, humbleness, obedience,
worshipful, and prayerful. (Psa. 111:10, Mark 12:30, John 14:15, Jas. 4:7, 1 Sam. 15:23)

To God’s Children — Our attitude should be love, forgiveness, consideration, caring,

encouragement, kindness, humility, unselfishness, respectful, and impartial. (John 13:34-35, 15:12,
Rom. 12:10, 13:10, 15:7, Jas. 2:9, Eph. 4:2, 4:32, Col. 3:16, 1 Thes. 5:11, Heb. 3:13, 1 Cor. 13:4-8).

To Authority — Our attitude should be respectful, cooperative, accountable, humble, helpful,

encouraging, loyal. Not resentful, defiant or disrespectful. (Heb. 13:17, 1 Pet. 2:13-15)

To Hard Circumstances — Our attitude should be patience, thankfulness, persevering, believing.

(Rom. 8:28, Gal. 1:9)

To Our Church — Our attitude should be respectful, faithful, cooperative, helpful, willingness,
dependable, participating, encouraging. (1 Cor. 10:32, 1 Cor. 14:12, Heb. 2:12)

To Duty — Our attitude should be faithfulness, responsibleness, obedience, cooperation, endurance.

(Luke 16:10, 1 Cor. 4:2)

To Unfairness — Our attitude should be patience, humility, confident in God’s justice. (Rom. 12:19,
Luke 18:7)

To Disappointment or Tragedy — Our attitude should be humility, submission to God, prayerful,

confidence in God’s fairness. (Psa. 62:5, Jer. 17:5, Deut. 32:4, Job 13:15, Rom. 8:28)

To the Lost — Our attitude should be compassionate, forgiving, encouraging, helpful, reconciling
them to God. (2 Cor. 5:18, 2 Pet. 3:9, Matt. 18:11-14)

To Sin — Our attitude should be uncompromising, unaccepting, intolerant, unsympathetic, yet

compassionate and reconciliatory for the repentant. (Matt. 18:8-9, Gal. 6:1)

To Success — Our attitude should be humble, grateful, God-glorifying, not self-exalting or forgetful to
God. (Jas. 4:6, 10, Prov. 16:18)

To Misunderstanding — Our attitude should be peacemaking, reconciliatory, patient, forgiving. (Col.

3:13, Matt. 5:9, Phil. 2:14)

How To Develop GoodAttitudes

1. Identify and Repent of Bad Attitudes

Acts 8:22 "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your
heart may be forgiven you."

2. Submit Your Attitudes to God

Bring your attitudes into obedience to God’s Word. Apply discipline to your thought life — submit your
thoughts to those of Christ’s. A good attitude is a matter of faith, disregarding your feelings, with a
determination to embrace God’s outlook and disposition.

2 Corinthians 10:5 "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the
knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..."

3. Equip And Feed Your Attitudes

Dwell on the things that God’s word tells us to — those good and virtuous things. If you dwell on the
negative, your attitude will reflect the same.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever
things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good
report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things."

6. January 15, 2017 – Evening Service | Pastor Carl McCray

Sermon on Attitude – James 4:1-10
God blesses us in different ways. When the Lord blesses us, He
expects us to use it for the purpose of glorifying Him and not
ourselves. The Bible teaches us in James 4 about attitudes the Lord
resists and attitudes the Lord regards.
God resists:
 Lustful lives (verse 1) – God wants us to crave Him and Him
alone.
 Doubtful lives (verse 2) – Trust the Lord and present Him with
your needs.
 Selfish lives (verse 3) – Seek the Lord in prayer and ask for His
opinion.
 Worldly lives (verses 4-5) – The Lord desires for us to be
faithful to Him; to be a fully committed follower.
God regards:
 The humble (verse 6) – God gives grace to the humble.
 The obedient (verse 7) – It is a daily decision to submit to the
Lord and resist the enemy, the devil.
Think about your attitudes. Do your attitudes glorify God or
yourself? Are you someone that God resists or someone that God
regards?
I hope you feel led to watch the video below of the full worship
service that includes the sermon on attitude. Also, if you prefer,
there is a button below to open an audio file (MP3) of just the
sermon.
Blessings from Burgin Baptist Church

7. Maintaining A Positive Attitude

 SUBJECT:  ATTITUDE
CENTRAL THEME:   A  POSITIVE  ATTITUDE
ADVERTISEMENT
 Illustration: Shammah... “He stood in the midst of ‘the
ground’ and defended ‘it’.....“I’ve left this pea patch my
last time”...he had a change in attitude!!! and wrought a
great victory for God.
 Every “Christian ” can “have, and maintain, a positive
attitude”   [HOW]    “by using three keys found in 1
Thess. 5”.
 Key #1. Rejoice Evermore
Resource: A. 1 Thess. 5:16 - How can you rejoice when
severe trials come your way???
Point 1. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations; Knowing [this],
that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience
have [her] perfect
work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting
nothing.James 1:2-4
Point 2. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith
the LORD, thoughts of
peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected
end.  Jeremiah 29:11
When we accept this in faith, we can rejoice in all
circumstances. “Shalom” - His
thoughts towards are: completeness, soundness, safety,
health, prosperity, peace.
Point 3. Jn 15:11 - These things have I spoken unto you, that
my joy might remain in you,
and [that] your joy might be “full”.
Resource: B. Illustration: Have you ever tried walking
with a glass that’s full? It sloshes out!!!!!
Point 1. David in Adullam; he changed his attitude and his
men became champions!!!!
Key #2. Pray Without Ceasing
Resource: A. 1 Thess. 5:17
Point 1. The foundation of  joy is “prayer”. It’s here you
entertain the presence of God.
Point 2. Prayer implies 4 things:
·         A devotional spirit - “walking with God”
·         Declarative prayers - our thoughts rising up amid our
daily occupation
·         Perserverance in prayer - not quitting until our prayers
are answered
·         This prayer is to be “without ceasing”.... (the “spirit” of
prayer)
·         Grk. = To prostrate oneself before God without
intermission
·         Persistence in prayer is requisite to making it effectual
·         This implies constancy (Col. 4:2)  (continue in - to
stick like tape; to adhere)
·         Regularity in prayer - keeping an “appointed” season
of prayer
Resource: B. Illustration:  Success In Prayer
Key #3. Give Thanks In Everything
Resource: A. 1 Thess. 5:18
Point 1. In every circumstance - in joy / in sorrow
Point 2. For everything - for prosperity / for adversity
Point 3. In every place - in the house of God / on the bed of
sickness
Resource: B. This is the natural fruit of  joy
Point 1. Ps. 34:1  “I will bless the Lord...”   (...when you enter
His presence...)
Conclusion: To maintain a positive attitude, we must be
joyful, pray w/out ceasing, and cultivate a thankful heart
towards God.

8. Attitudes
Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Attitudes
ATTITUDES
at'-i-tuds:
Customs change slowly in Bible lands. This becomes clear by a comparison of the many references found
in the Bible and other literatures of the Orient with existing circumstances and conditions. The same fact is
attested by the pictures illustrating daily life upon the monuments of Assyria, Babylonia and Egypt in the
countries between the Nile and the Tigris. Many of these, dating back to the second or third millennium
before our era, prove conclusively that the same practices and usages as are now common among the
inhabitants of those lands were in vogue in the days of Hammurabi and the early rulers of Egypt. This is
especially true of matters pertaining to the worship of the gods, and of the attitudes or positions assumed
in homage and respect to monarchs and those in authority.
The many references found in the Bible to these same usages prove that the Hebrews too had much in
common with the nations around them, not only in creed, but also in the mode of worship, as well as in
general everyday etiquette. This is not strange, at least among the Semitic peoples, for there is more or
less agreement, even among all nations, ancient and modern, in the attitude of the worshipper in temple
and high place.
The outward tokens of respect and honor shown by Orientals to their superiors, above all to monarchs,
may seem exaggerated. But when we consider that the king was God's vicegerent upon the earth or over
a certain country, and in some sense Divine, worthy even of adoration, it is not strange that almost equal
homage should be paid him as the gods themselves. The higher the person was in power, the greater the
honor and respect shown him. It is natural, therefore, that God, the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings
should be the recipient of the highest reverence and adoration.
There are several Hebrew words used to describe the various attitudes assumed by those who
worshipped Yahweh and heathen gods; these same words are constantly employed in speaking of the
homage or respect paid to rulers and persons in authority. The most common terms are those rendered
"to stand," "to bow," "to kneel" and "prostrate oneself" or "fall on the face." It is not always easy to
differentiate between them, for often one passes imperceptibly into the other. No doubt several attitudes
were assumed by the worshipper or suppliant while offering a prayer or petition. The intensity, the ardor or
earnestness with which such a petition or prayer was presented would naturally have much to do with the
words and posture of the petitioner, though the same expression might be employed to designate his
posture or attitude. Thus "to fall on the face" might be done in many different ways. The Moslems observe
a regular course of nine or more different postures in their worship. These are more or less faithfully
observed by the faithful everywhere. It is almost certain that the Hebrews in common with other Orientals
observed and went through almost every one of these attitudes as they presented themselves in prayer to
Yahweh. We shall call attention to just four postures:
(1) standing,
(2) bowing,
(3) kneeling, and
(4) falling on the face or prostration.
1. Standing:
This was one of the very common postures in prayer to God, especially in public worship. It is still
customary to stand either erect or with slightly bowed head while offering the public prayers in the
synagogue. This is likewise the common practice of a large number of Christians in this and other lands,
and no doubt such a posture is sanctioned by the example of the early church and primitive Christians,
who, in turn, adopted the usages of the Jewish church. The same practice was in vogue among the
Persians, Egyptians and Babylonians and other ancient people as is evidenced by their sculptures and
paintings. The famous stela of Hammurabi shows this great king in a standing position as he receives the
famous Code from the sun-god.
There are numerous Babylonian and Assyrian seals on which are pictured a priest in a standing position
before the throne of Sin or Shamash. In this attitude with uplifted hands, he is sometimes accompanied by
the person in whose behalf prayers are made. A beautiful rock sculpture at Ibriz, Southeast of Eregli in
Lycaonia, shows us a king or satrap in a standing position, worshipping a local Baal. E. J. Davies, the
discoverer of this Hittite monument, in describing it, makes this remark, which we cannot refrain from
inserting, inasmuch as it gives another proof of the unchangeable East. He says:
"He (the god) wears boots turned up in front, and bound round the leg above the ankle by thongs and a
piece of leather reaching half-way up the shin, exactly as it is worn to this day by the peasants of the plain
of Cilicia round Adana." King Solomon, during at least a portion of his prayer at the dedication of the
temple, stood before the altar with his hands stretched out toward heaven (1 Kings 8:22). Numerous
allusions to prayer in the New Testament prove that standing was the common posture (Matthew
6:5; Mark 11:25; Luke 18:11).
What has been said about standing while praying to God is true also of the attitude of the petitioner when
paying homage or making an entreaty to man. The Assyrian and Babylonian monuments are full of
evidence on this point; we shall give only one illustration:
One of the sculptures describing the siege of Lachish by Sennacherib represents the monarch as seated
upon his throne while the conquered stand or kneel before him. Joseph stood before Pharaoh (Genesis
41:46). Solomon's advisers stood before him (2 Chronicles 10:6) and so did those of Rehoboam
(2 Chronicles 10:8). The same attitude was assumed by suppliants in the Persian court (Esther 5:2; 8:4).
The same is true of Babylonia (Daniel 1:19; 2:2).
2. Kneeling:
Though standing seems to have been the usual attitude, it is quite certain that kneeling was common at all
times. The monuments afford abundant proof for this statement; so too the many references in the Bible.
Solomon not only stood before the altar on the occasion of dedicating his famous temple, but he also knelt
(1 Kings 8:54; 2 Chronicles 6:13). Josephus, describing this ceremony, says that the king at the
conclusion of his prayer prostrated himself on the ground and in this posture continued worshipping for a
long time. Ezra fell upon his knees as he addressed Yahweh in prayer (Ezra 9:5). Daniel, too, knelt upon
his knees and prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10). The same practice was observed by the apostles
and the early church; for we read that Stephen (Acts 7:60), Peter (Acts 9:40), Paul (Acts 20:36) and others
(Acts 21:5) assumed this posture as they prayed.
3. Bowing:
As already stated, it is not always easy to determine the exact posture of those described as kneeling or
bowing, for this varied with the temperament of the suppliant and the intensity of his prayer or
supplication. Eleazer when sent to select a wife for his master, Isaac, bowed before Yahweh (Genesis
24:26). The Hebrews on leaving Egypt were commanded to bow to Yahweh (Exodus 11:8; 12:27,28). The
injunction of the Psalmist shows the prevalence of this posture in prayer:
Like deference was also shown to angels or supernatural beings. Thus, Abraham bows to the three
angels as they appear to him at Mamre (Genesis 18:2). And so did Lot at Sodom (Genesis 19:1). Joshua
fell on his face before the prince of the host of Yahweh (Joshua 5:14). This attitude was a common one to
Ezekiel as he saw his wonderful visions (Ezekiel 1:28; 3:23, and often). Daniel when he saw Gabriel in a
vision was afraid and fell upon his face (Daniel 8:17). The three disciples had the same experience on the
Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:6).
Monarchs and persons of superior rank were the recipients of like honors and marks of respect. Joseph's
brothers bowed as they came into his presence, thinking that he was an Egyptian of high rank (Genesis
43:28). Bathsheba bowed to King David when she entered his presence in the interest of their son
Solomon (1 Kings 1:16,31). But such deference was not shown to monarchs only, for Jacob and his
household bowed down seven times to the irate Esau (Genesis 33:3). Abigail fell on her face before David
as he was marching to avenge himself upon Nabal, her husband (1 Samuel 25:23). David too when he
went to meet Jonathan fell on his face to the ground and bowed himself three times (1 Samuel 20:41).
The Shunammite woman, as she came to entreat Elisha for the life of her boy, bowed before the prophet
(2 Kings 4:37). The same custom prevailed not only among the Persians, as is evident from the Book of
Esther and the monuments at Persepolis, but also in Babylonia, Assyria and other countries.
4. Prostration:
This was but a more intense way of showing one's regard or of emphasizing a petition. It was the token of
abject subjection or the deepest reverence. Abraham, when Yahweh appeared to him and promised him a
son, with profoundest gratitude and greatest joy fell prostrate on his face (Genesis 17:3). Moses and
Aaron were often found in this posture (Numbers 14:5; 16:4,45; 20:6). Elijah, eccentric in many ways, cast
himself upon the earth and placed his face between his knees (compare 1 Kings 18:42). Job fell on the
ground and worshipped Yahweh (Job 1:20). Such homage was often shown to our Saviour (Mark
5:22; John 11:32), not because men realized that He was God in the flesh, but simply as a mark of
respect for a great teacher and miracle-worker. It is to be noticed th at our Saviour never refused such
homage, but accepted it as pertinent and proper. Did He not realize that honor and worship Divine
belonged to Him, He would have refused them just as Peter did when Cornelius fell down at his feet and
worshipped him (Acts 10:25) or as the angel in Revelation 19:10, who said to John, prostrate at his feet,
"See thou do it not:

9. Question: "What does the Bible say about attitude?"

Answer: Writing from a prison cell in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote about the attitude a Christian should
have: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians
1:27). The "whatever happens" here is a reference to whether Paul can come to visit the Philippians or not.
Paul gave this instruction so that "whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will
know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians
1:27). No matter what unexpected disruptions, frustrations, or difficulties come our way, we are to respond
with a Christlike attitude. We should be standing firm and striving for the faith. Paul later writes, “Your
attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 2:5). He is talking about demonstrating
humility and selflessness in relationships. He also encourages us in Ephesians 5:1 to be “imitators of Christ
as dearly beloved children.” As children love to imitate what they see and repeat what they hear; we also
are charged to imitate and model Christ’s behavior and to be clear reflections of the Lord (Matthew 5:16).
Jesus maintained a perfect attitude in every situation. He prayed about everything and worried about
nothing. We, too, should seek God’s guidance about every aspect of our lives and allow Him to work out His
perfect will. Jesus’ attitude was never to become defensive or discouraged. His goal was to please the
Father rather than to achieve His own agenda (John 6:38). In the midst of trials, He was patient. In the
midst of suffering, He was hopeful. In the midst of blessing, He was humble. Even in the midst of ridicule,
abuse, and hostility, He “made no threats . . . and did not retaliate. Instead He entrusted Himself to Him
who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23).

When Paul writes that our “attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus,” he had summarized in the
previous two verses what such an attitude was: selflessness, humility, and service. “Do nothing out of selfish
ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not
only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). In other words, the
attitude a Christian should reflect is one that focuses on the needs and interests of others. Without
question, that does not come naturally to us. When Christ came into the world, He established a whole new
attitude to relationships with others. One day when His disciples were arguing among themselves regarding
who was to be greatest in His kingdom, Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over
them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to
become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as
the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew
20:25-28). Jesus is teaching us that, when we become preoccupied with our own things, it can cause
conflicts and other problems with people we know. Instead, God wants us to have an attitude of serious,
caring involvement in the concerns of others.

Paul speaks more about this Christlike attitude in his letter to the church in Ephesus: “You were taught,
with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful
desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in
true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Many religions of today, including the New Age
philosophies, promote the old lie that we are divine or that we can become gods. But the truth of the
matter is that we will never become God, or even a god. Satan’s oldest lie was promising Adam and Eve
that, if they followed his advice, “you shall be as gods” (Genesis 3:5).

Each time we try to control our circumstances, our future, and the people around us, we’re only
demonstrating that we want to be a god. But we must understand that, as creatures, we will never be the
Creator. God doesn’t want us to try to become gods. Instead, He wants us to become like Him, taking on His
values, His attitudes, and His character. We are meant to “be made new in the attitude of your minds; and
to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:23-24).

Finally, we must always keep in mind that God’s ultimate goal for His children is not our comfort, but the
transformation of our minds into the attitude of godliness. He wants us to grow spiritually, to become like
Christ. This doesn’t mean losing our personalities or becoming mindless clones. Christlikeness is all about
transforming our minds. Again, Paul tells us, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his
good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

It is God’s will that we develop the kind of mindset described in the Beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:1-12),
that we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), that we emulate the principles in Paul’s great
chapter on love (1 Corinthians 13), and that we strive to pattern our lives after Peter’s characteristics of an
effective and productive life (2 Peter 1:5-8).

THE CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

What should our attitude be as Christians towards all these problems? In
the midst of all these debates and arguments, where should Christians
stand?

First, we have to see that God has already prepared the solution to all these
problems. He has also set the schedule for the fulfillment of the solution.
God is very clear about these problems. You can see from the Bible that no
one is as clear as God towards these issues. For this reason you need not
fret, worry, or hastily propose your own suggestions.

When Christ came the first time, He saved us individually. He did not deal
with the world or its systems. He did not touch any social problems. His first
coming was to settle the spiritual issues, not the material ones. But this does
not mean that He ignores the latter. Christ will take up these problems; He
will deal with each in a thorough way. But our work and responsibility as
Christians are only to concentrate on that which God concentrates. We only
do what Christ is doing. This is our basic principle.

ALL PROBLEMS ORIGINATE FROM SIN

No doubt we see many problems existing in our society and nation. Every
one of them is a major issue. Every one demands an immediate solution. But
we have to see that the one factor that originates all these problems is sin.
All these problems arose because man became fallen and alienated from
God. The order in which God works out His salvation is first to save us and
solve our problem of sin. This is our regeneration. After man is saved, all the
problems related to him are consequently solved.

TAKE CARE OF GOD’S CONCERN

Hence, the redeemed ones must first of all know God’s work and
concentrate on His concerns. What concerns God most is the problem of sin.
We also must concern ourselves with the same. Since God cares for personal
salvation and sanctification, we have no choice but to pay attention to the
same. The solution to these problems is the work of God today. It ought to
be the work of every one who belongs to Him. Today Christ is dispensing
God’s life to man. We also have to do the same. This is His work. It is also
our work.

Because God’s ordained work for the Christian today is saving sinners from
sins and dispensing God’s life, regardless of our rank and file, we have to do
the work of saving men from sins. Whether we are kings or slaves, our
commission is the same: to dispense God’s life to others.

(The Normal Christian Faith, Chapter 15, by Watchman Nee)

10. 7 Ways To Develop The Right Kind Of Attitude

WRITTEN BY HAROLD HERRING. .

Share212
If you want things to be different in your life. . .the number one thing you need to change is not your job,
circumstances, environment, relationships or income. . .it’s YOU.
You must first change your attitude.  Now your attitude can be either good or bad.  That’s why I want to be very
specific.
Your attitude is determined by the collection of the dominant thoughts in your mind.  So in determining the
proper kind of attitude for change. . .we must look at Philippians 2:5 in the New Living Translation which says:
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Years ago, people were wearing bracelets with the initials of a very probing question.  “WWJD” asks “What Would
Jesus Do.”
Before you ever do. . .you think.  So perhaps a more probing question would be.
“WWJT” or “What would Jesus think.”
I want to repeat a phrase because I want to make sure you grasp the full implications of the phrase.
Before you ever do anything. . .you need to think. . .like He would think!
The great news is that you can know with absolutely certainty what Jesus thinks.  All that is required is for you to: 
Read Your Bible…Do What It Says.
Napoleon Hill, the author of Think And Grow Rich once said:
“What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
However, if you have a negative and/or bad attitude. . .you will not conceive or believe it and you most
certainly. . .will not achieve your goals.
Success will never come to you. . .unless you’re willing to change your attitude. . .which will change by what you
feed your mind.
It’s also important to understand that success will never manifest around you until it’s established within you.
Developing the right kind of attitude within you. . .is a scriptural and spiritual assignment.
Here are the seven ways to develop the right kind of attitude.
1.         Where do you get the right kind of attitude?
Ephesians 4:23 in the Amplified Bible says:

“And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude].”
The scripture gets very specific when discussing the kind of attitude you should have.
Philippians 2:5 in the New Living Translation says:
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
The Contemporary English Version of Philippians 2:5 puts it this way:
“And think the same way that Christ Jesus thought.”
You may be thinking… “that sounds good but how do I receive or develop that kind of attitude.”
Seven words.
Read your Bible. . .do what it says.
If you’re having trouble in your marriage. . .you must get rid of your old attitudes about your spouse. . .before you
can embrace a new mindset.
If you’re having trouble with your children. . .you must get rid of your old attitudes about them. . .before you can
embrace a new mindset.
If you’re having trouble with your boss and/or job. . .you must get rid of your old attitudes about him/her. . .before
you can embrace a new mindset.
You must change. . .renovate your thinking before you can replace the old with the new.
Romans 12:2 in the King James Version says:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is
that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
According to Strong’s Concordance the Greek word for renewing is anakainōsis (G342) which means:  “renewing,
renovation.”
When you renovate a house. . .you may take out the old unsafe electrical wiring and put in the new.  You pull out the
old flooring and add in the new flooring.  You are replacing what isn’t wanted with what is.
If you’re renewing your mind. . .you take out the old way of thinking and put in the new.  That’s why I love the New
Living Translation of Romans 12:2 which says:
“. . .Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. . .”
You and no one else. . .brings the change in your life. . .you determine your attitude and the kind of day you
will have.
2.         Prior proper planning preparing your attitude for tomorrow.
Seven things for you to do before you go to sleep each night.
First, create a to-do list of the things you plan to accomplish tomorrow.  List them by priorities based on your
goals in the six major areas of your life. . .spiritual, family, financial, physical, mental and social.
Be like Santa. . .make your list. . .check it twice.
Second, journal the great things that happened to you during the day.  Regardless of how your day went. . .you
have something to rejoice over.  If nothing else and I mean nothing else. . .you have the ability to read and hear the
words I’m speaking from my notes.
I GUARANTEE … you’ll sleep better at night if you end your day by Praising God.
Third, create a nightly confession about tomorrow being the best day of your life.  Something like this.
"Heavenly Father, I thank you <<date>> will be the greatest <<day>> of my life...a day filled with opportunities
beyond my imagination and expectation.  A day filled with revelatory insight and divine connections.  My desire is
for you to be glorified in everything I do on <<day, date>>.  In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen."
Fourth, never go to bed mad or frustrated with your spouse or children.  If it’s something that can’t be resolved
instantly, write out the problem briefly on a sheet of paper.  Pray over it. . .lay it on your night stand. . .and ask God
to deal with it while He’s giving you sweet sleep.
Proverbs 3:24 says:
“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”
Fifth, clean up. . .pick up. . .so you’ll be ready to get up.  Do the dishes and clean up your living area before going
to bed.  Believe it or not, you’ll be glad you did in the morning.  It may seem like a small thing. . .but it gives you a
better start on the day when you don’t have a lot of left over chores to face first thing.
Sixth, lay out what you plan to wear tomorrow.  This will save you time in the morning, eliminate indecision,
wipe out time delays and ultimately save you some frustration.
Seventh, plan how you will dress your mind tomorrow.  Lay out what CDs or teachings you will listen to on your
smart phone.  Never just settle for what happens to be airing on your commute. . .it needs to be a conscious decision
on your part.
3.         Begin your day with happy hour.  I’m not talking about alcoholic spirits. . .I’m talking about getting high
with the Holy Spirit. . .during the first hour of your day.
My scriptural guide for the morning is found in Psalm 5:3 in the New International Version which says:
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."
My morning expectation brings daily manifestation and His rewards.
Proverbs 24:14 in the Amplified Bible says:
“So shall you know skillful and godly Wisdom to be thus to your life; if you find it, then shall there be a future and a
reward, and your hope and expectation shall not be cut off."
Many mornings. . .I get ready for the day by listening to “O Happy Day” by the Edwin Hawkins Singers. . .because
that’s what I’m going to have … a Happy Day.
Begin each day filled with supernatural expectation about the manifestation of God’s presence, peace,
protection, promises, power, promotion and provision.
And by the way, it’s not unusual for me to play “O Happy Day” three, four or five times consecutively.
Begin every day with a positive expectancy about supernatural favor, divine connections, revelatory insight and yes,
and even your goals being accomplished.
Let me ask you a question.
Do you expect to feel His presence during your prayer, Bible reading and meditation time each morning?
If not, why not?  Maybe it’s because of the way you’re beginning your day.
4.         “Keep the main thing. . .the main thing.”  Stephen Covey in his powerful book “Seven Secrets Of Highly
Effective People” said:
“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”
If you have not read this book . . .I strongly encourage you to do so.
The main thing. . .is another way of saying “stay focused.”
Jesus was focused.  He knew why He was here.
Luke 19:10 says:
“For the Son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost.”
Jesus stayed focused on His mission. . .He kept the main thing the main thing.
John 9:4 in The Living Bible says:
“All of us must quickly carry out the task assigned us by the one who sent me for there is little time left before the
night falls and all work comes to an end.”
Earlier in this teaching I suggested you create a daily “to-do list.”  This list should be a reflection of your goals and
the timeline you’ve created to accomplish them on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly plan.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or computer geek to break down your goals into a doable plan.  If you have
difficulty. . .just send me an email and I will help.  However, remember the word “concise” when emailing me.
When you’re accomplishing things on your to-do list. . .it pumps you up and gives you a whole new attitude about
your ability to accomplish the things God has stirred in your spirit.
You will also find it beneficial to create and monitor your own “not to-do list.”  Things such as:
Don’t spend time talking with negative people. . .if you have a choice.
Stay away from news programs that fill your mind with negative events.
Be careful of time vampires. . .who will suck the very time out of your day and life.
I could go on. . .but I believe you will notice that I just suggest staying away from negative people and events. .
.again, where you have a choice.
What kind of friends do I want to hang around with?  You can find the answer by reading The Message Bible
translation of 3 John 2 which says:
“We're the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your
everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul!”
Negative people tend to break your focus and hinder your ability to keep the main thing the main thing.
5.         What you sow you will REAP but not what you may be thinking.  This is not primarily about seedtime
and harvest though it could be.
REAP stands for “Recognition, Encouragement, Appreciation and Praise.”  There will be times when you will need
to engage in self-talk and motivation to keep your attitude where it needs to be.
If you don’t have a domestic support staff. . .meaning a spouse or children who can encourage you by speaking a
word in season. . .by bringing a little positive sunshine in your attitude. . .here are three things you should do.
First, recognize the role you play in motivating and encouraging yourself.
1 Samuel 30:6 says:
“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was
grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”
In times of great trouble, danger and distress. . .when all seemed lost. . .the scripture says that David encouraged
himself in the Lord.
David and his men returned from battle to find the enemy had stolen their wives, children, possessions and
valuables.  All they found in their camp was the smoldering remains from the fires of enemy invaders.
David’s men. . .who had been so loyal to him . . .were ready to turn on him and stone him to death. . .but the
scripture says “David encouraged himself in the Lord.”
Just so you know. . .there will be moments where you need to encourage and recognize yourself.
Second, you may have to appreciate your efforts because nobody else does.  So it’s just you and the Lord.
1 Corinthians 16:18 in The Living Bible says:
“They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to
all who serve so well.”
Third, Praise God for what He has done and is doing through your life.
Psalm 35:28 in the Amplified Bible offers some pretty good advice:
“And my tongue shall talk of Your righteousness, rightness, and justice, and of [my reasons for] Your praise all the
day long.”
Without question, if you want to feel the presence of the Lord fast, then start praising Him.
Recognition, appreciation and praise. . .bring encouragement which affects your attitude.  There was a time in my
life when I created my own awards ceremony recognizing what God had allowed me to accomplish.
6.         Be a doer. . .not a talker. . .not a tryer. . .but a doer.  The best way to develop the God-kind of attitude is
by being a doer.
Just having a positive mental attitude is not enough.  I’ve met some super positive people who never accomplish a
thing in their lives. . .because they weren’t doers of the Word.
You may have read hundreds of books on having a positive mental attitude, heard thousands of sermons, watched
dozens of Christian television programs, attended motivational seminars and Holy Spirit conferences, run around the
sanctuary of your church, fallen out in the spirit BUT if you aren’t doing—PRACTICING what you’ve heard then
you are deceiving yourself.
James 1:22 says:
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
According to Strong’s Concordance the word doer is the Greek work poiētēs (G4163) and it means:
“a maker, a producer, author,  a doer, performer; one who obeys or fulfills the law.”
Nowhere in that definition do we read where a doer is a talker.
James 1:22 in the Amplified Bible says:                                                                         
“But be doers of the Word (obey the message), and not merely listening to it; betraying yourselves [into deception
by reasoning contrary to the truth.].”
                                                                                   
“Obey the message.”  What is the message that God wants you to obey?  He wants you to do what He says.
When Peter heard Jesus say “Come” he received the authority to get out of the boat, however nothing would have
ever happened if he just heard the word.  It was only when Peter became a doer of the word that he was able to get
out of the boat.
The word Peter heard gave him more than a positive attitude it “empowered” him but still he had to take the first
step.  God has given us His Word to energize our faith. . .to get us out of the boat.
It’s time for each of us to stop talking about what we’re going to do and just do it.
When you do. . .you accomplish. . .which not only gives you personal satisfaction. . .it gives your Heavenly Father
pleasure in you.
7.         The God-kind of attitude will allow you to do what others say can’t be done.
The right kind of attitude. . .the kind Jesus had. . .will allow you to persist through adversity until
you gain the victory.  No matter what the naysayers. . .say.
A six-year old boy was sent home from school with a note from his teacher recommending that he
removed from school because he was “too stupid to learn.”  The boy was Thomas Edison
In 1929 movie studio mogul Samuel Goldwyn was furious with his casting director for arranging a
screen test of an unknown actress.  He said:  “What are you guys trying to do to me?  You think
I’m going to hire a dame with those big pop-eyes who talks funny like she does?”
Several years later, Samuel Goldwyn paid top dollar for that young woman to star in some of his hit
movies.  Here name:  Betty Davis.
Englishman David Puttnam offered his latest screenplay to Columbia Pictures only to receive this
response.  “I’m sorry to tell you this has no validity at all in the American marketplace, because of
the style and tone as well as the subject matter.”
Later, that motion picture Chariots of Fire won the 1981 Oscar for Best Picture.
How about this quote?
“The cheek of every American must tingle with shame as he reads the silly, flat, and dish-
watery utterances of a man who has to be pointed out to intelligent foreigners as President of
the United States.”
The quote was from the Chicago Times. . .in 1865. . .the day after Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
Someone once said:
“The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can't be done is generally
interrupted by someone doing it.”
Never let anyone else’s words or demeanor affect your attitude and purpose in life.
I used to have a cross-stitch quote which said:
“The greatest joy in life is doing what others say can’t be done.”
How do you do it?  Developing, maintaining and strengthening the God-kind of attitude.
James 5:16 in the Amplified Bible  says:
". . .The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power
available [dynamic in its working]." 
Tap into this power. . .it’s an attitude changer.

11. Here are some people in the Bible who are great examples of
keeping an attitude of gratitude.
1. Paul
One of the Bible's greatest encouragers and instructors, Paul was a man who faced various trials and
tests even to the point of death.

In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Paul said, "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We
are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get
knocked down, but we are not destroyed."

This is the same Paul who said in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be
thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

2. James

James, a half-brother of the Lord Jesus and a leader in the early church, was also a man who kept an
attitude of gratitude. He saw troubles and tests as a way to grow in the Lord, and thus a great opportunity.
Here's what he said about that:

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great
joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for
when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." (James 1:2-
4)

This man possessed a remarkable joy which he attempted to pass on to other believers. Here are some
more of his encouragements:

"Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honoured them." (James 1:9)

"God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation." (James 1:12)

"Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights
in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." (James 1:17)

3. Jesus

Oh yes, the Son of God who had to endure the greatest suffering of all time. Jesus experienced far
greater pain than any man has had and will have. In fact, we will never be able to fully comprehend the
depths of His pain for our sakes.

He left His throne in heaven and came to filthy earth to rescue us.

He was God, yet did not consider equality with God as something to grasp; Rather He chose to serve us.

He had no sin, yet He took all the punishment that was for our sins.

He died on the cross a man who was ridiculed, shamed, betrayed, mocked, hated, despised, and
maligned – yet without fault.

Yet, "Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith ... for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (see Hebrews 12:2)

He had the greatest joy ever: fulfilling the Father's will to rescue all men. He's the greatest example of a
man who had a grateful attitude – one that honoured what God had sent Him to do without complaining.

12. A Sunday School Lesson On Attitude

 JANUARY 28, 2016 BY JACK WELLMAN
  1 COMMENT

Here is a Sunday school lesson or Bible study on attitude.

The Attitude of Christ
Philippians 2:5-7 “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ
Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a
thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being
born in the likeness of men.”

What kind of attitude or “mind” did Jesus have? Even though He is God (Phil
2:6) He was “found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to
the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8) and we know that the Bible
teaches, whoever humbles themselves, God will exalt (Matt 23:12) and here it is
said of Jesus, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is
above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven
and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:9-11). God will not exalt you if you’re
already exalting yourself. If you’re doing that, you’re in danger of being humbled
by God (Matt 23:12). Remember, Jesus humbled Himself more than we’ll ever
have too and it was for our sake (2nd Cor 5:21).

What does it mean that even “though he was in the form of God?”

How do we exalt ourselves before others?

How often do we intentionally humble ourselves before others?

The Choice of Attitude

Philippians 2:14-15 “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you
may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a
crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

We are not free to choose our birthday, our place of birth, or our parents but we
are free to choose our attitudes. Just like love is a choice more than it is a feeling,
attitude is determined by what we choose to put into our mind. Solomon wrote
that “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”
(Prov 17:22) so why not choose joy? Joy is a choice and when one chooses to be
joyful, they choose to be “lights in [a] world” that sits in darkness. No one may
even know they’re in darkness until the light proves otherwise. Light always
overcomes darkness (John 1:5) so may your light do the same to “a crooked and
twisted generation.”

Do you agree that having a good attitude is a choice?

Are we helpless genetic victims of our parental gene pool?

Can too much light hurt someone’s eyes, especially if they’ve been sitting in the
dark?
The Mind and Attitude
Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
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.”

Maybe you’ve heard this; “You’re not who you think you are…who you think, you
are!” That seems to be true. Perception can become reality but if you dwell on
those things from above, then your mind will be more “from above” than from below.
You can choose an attitude of gratitude or be left to your own default settings which are
set in the flesh. That makes it hard to dwell on things that are good. Paul said we
should “practice these things” and not just think about them. Good teachers know that
hand’s on is often the best learning tool for students. It’s not exactly a replacement
theory but it is a replacement of the things of the world with the things that are lovely,
pure, just, honorable, and true.

What can help us to dwell on the things Paul mentioned in Philippians 4:8-9?
How can we “practice these things?”

Why is it sometimes difficult to dwell on things that are good?

The Renewed Mind

Colossians 3:9-10 “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self
with its practices. And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge
after the image of its creator.”
At one time, we were absolutely DOA; dead on arrival. We were dead in our sins (Eph
2:1) from the wages we had earned from them (Rom 6:23) but when we’re born again,
we received a new mind because we’re a new creation in Christ and a new creation
requires a new mind of Paul wrote about in 2nd Corinthians 5:17 that “if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This
means there’ll be new desires, a new lifestyle, some new changes, and a new mind,
more like Christ (1st Cor 2:16). If not, examine yourself to see if you’re in the faith (2nd
Cor 13:5). This new mind should be practicing new things, and so Paul reminds us, “Do
nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than
yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of
others” (Phil 2:3-4). The Christian should “not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom 12:2) and then try to transform the
world.

What old things have you stopped doing since being saved?

What new things have you started doing since being saved?

Was this change fast, slow, or still happening?

What does being “conformed to this world” mean?

Conclusion
I urge you in your study to look at all of the Bible verses and read them aloud in the
class so that you can get the most out of this lesson on attitude. Attitude doesn’t just
happen; it must be pursued because any choice means we must make an effort to
choose. If we don’t, then our carnal mind will choose for us and that’s not going to turn
out well. If you’ve never reached a point in your life where you turned away from and
have forsaken your sins (called repentance) and then put your trust in the Savior, then
you’re attitude has little chance of changing. God can change the human heart and turn
it whichever way He pleases (Prov 21:1) but God will only give His grace to the humble
because He’s opposed to the proud (James 4:6). I pray that’s not you.

Can we change our attitude permanently without God?

Is our attitude a choice? If so, in what way?

What has changed in your understanding about attitude from this study?