Get An Attitude Check


There is a television commercial that says "attitude is everything." Although they are advertising a worldly product, they still understand the principle that our attitude is important. It's not true that attitude is everything, but our attitude toward others can either enhance or destroy relationships.

Years ago I knew a man who was extremely talented in his field of occupation. He had natural abilities and learned abilities that far surpassed all of those around him. Physically he was good looking, but socially, he was repulsive. He had a very poor attitude. Because he had a strong personality, he created turmoil every place he had been employed. He worked a lot of places because it was only a matter of time until he was offensive to the employer and his days became numbered.

As Christians, we must understand that we cannot have the same attitudes that are prevalent in the world. We are required by God's Word to not think of ourselves as better or smarter than those we associate with. If we act haughty and arrogant to other believers, then we are disobedient to God's Word. As Romans 12:16 says, "Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." This scripture is telling us that we are not to be high-minded. Yes, we are to be wise, but not wise in our own opinion. To have pride is to be high-minded. That means a person thinks of themselves higher than the reality of their abilities, their looks, and so on. Galatians 6:3 says that if anyone thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, that he deceives himself.

We must know who we are in Christ and, of course, we must operate in our God-given abilities, but we cannot have a poor attitude or high-mindedness because that will lead to isolation and offenses.

"For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Corinthians 10:12).

The Holy Spirit can help you with your attitude. To learn more about power available through the Holy Spirit, check out Dr. Ollison's book, Unlocking the Mysteries of the Holy Spirit.