"The Attitude Flu"
Philippians 2:5 — "Your attitude should be the same
as that of Christ Jesus." (NIV)
Somehow standing in long lines to return Christmas presents,
isn’t as fun as when I was waiting patiently for my perfect
gifts to be rung-up. During the holly jolly Christmas season, familiar
carols floated in the air. I could smell the potpourri of cinnamon
and apples. Waiting was almost enjoyable.
However, now I stand stewing about the slowness of the clerk. If
she went any slower she would be in reverse, I think to myself.
As I study the faces around me, I realize it appears we have all
lost our holiday zest. As a matter-of-fact, I am just plain crabby.
I think I have caught the attitude flu. And do you know what is the
worst part of having this type of flu? It can be contagious.
Why? Because others react to my attitudes. For example, if I am
scowling at the clerk when my turn finally arrives, she probably
won’t be very patient with me, either. If I growl at my husband
when he walks through the door this evening, most likely I will put
him on the defensive. If I complain in the car with my children listening
to each word, I’ll have whining children for the rest of the
evening. Yup, the “attitude flu” is very contagious.
However, there is good news for us who battle occasional bouts
of bad sentiments the Bible can give us a good vaccination against
it, if we will take to heart what it recommends. For instance, Philippians
2:5 advises us, Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ
Jesus.
Great advice, but what was the attitude of Jesus? When we read
the Gospels, we see that Jesus was always ready to listen to others.
His kindness spurred others to kindness. His patience exhibited itself
repeatedly with his disciples who asked endless questions and made
stupendous errors. Yet, he loved the little children who clamored
to sit on his lap.
Christ’s perfect attitude can be summed up in Galatians 5:22-23.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
It is a New Year, a new beginning. Starting today, I have decided
that I will vaccinate myself each day with a good healthy dose of
Scripture. I will meditate on it and ask God to help me develop the
same healthy attitude of Christ Jesus. I know I will feel better
and so will everyone else that I encounter.
Will you join me in the fight against the “attitude flu?”
Whispers from the Heart:
Father God, help me to recognize when a negative attitude creeps into my day. Each day as I read your Word, embed it into my life. Help me to develop daily the same attitude that was in Jesus.
© 2006 By Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved. To Comment on this devotional, please contact us.
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