Give Someone Some Attitude
How’s your attitude these days? How have you been acting and reacting to people, situations and even to yourself lately? Your attitude may be one of the best indicators of your overall health and your ability to relate well to others.
It’s interesting that the expression, to “Give someone attitude” generally means to be rude or mistreat a person, or to act like you are more important than s/he is. In other words, to show attitude these days means to demonstrate a poor attitude. We sometimes make fun of the idea of having a bad attitude, believing that a little sassiness is a good thing.
Your attitude, however, is fairly complex. It’s your mental state as it relates to your beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions. Your attitude informs, or more accurately clothes, your behaviors. Everything you do and say filters through your attitude. And, your attitude has a huge impact on how others receive you. Do they experience you as “Critic of people and life” – someone with a bad attitude, or do they see you as a “Player in the game of life” – someone with a good attitude?
Some people think that their attitude is pre-programmed – that it’s just “who they are,” and that it can’t be changed or improved. This is not true. Granted, some people seem to naturally possess better attitudes than others, but they are not completely hard-wired into your personality. Your attitude can change in a moment; and chances are you have experienced a number of attitude changes even today.
The Bible tells us that we are to be made new in the attitude of our minds. (Ephesians 4:23) Our attitudes are to be like that of Jesus (Philippians 2:5ff.) A good attitude is not governed by a focus on self, but upon the purposes and activities of God, and honoring others above ourselves. If you are focused on honoring God and treating others well, you will demonstrate a good attitude – and others will generally be drawn to you.
Developing a better attitude is a worthy pursuit that involves a few ingredients. First, you will do well to focus your attention on positive things. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8) Second, you need to be honest with yourself when your attitude is not good. Allow the Bible (and others) to “Judge the thoughts and attitudes of your heart” (Hebrews 4:12) – to point out when your attitude begins to become a bit odorous. And third, repent when your attitude has gone astray. All you have to do is admit it (that’s what confession means), declare that you want to change and move (or act) in the direction of a good attitude (that’s what repentance means).
Now, you can’t always do this on your own – so, you also need to ask for (and believe in) God’s help. One thing is certain, however, God wants to help you with your attitude. So, if you want to grow in this area, and will take a humble, honest, spiritually active posture, He will most assuredly empower your concrete efforts.
Seeking to live in a good attitude with you,
Pastor Tom
tgriffith@rolcboston.org
