SOUTHSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST

The Christian's Attitude, Sunday, 5 November 2000

Dec 04, 2000

Leland R. Ping

Of all the Christian's responsibilities, perhaps maintaining a proper attitude is of the most difficult. In recognizing this important point, we must understand what an attitude really is. Most importantly, one's attitude is dependent on the choices one makes. Thus, each of us controls our outlook on life. The Christian's attitude can be looked at by examining a few things that the Christian should be and a few things that the Christian should not be.

The Christian Should Be:

?· Caring - Paul told the Romans to "bear with the scruples of the weak"
(Romans 15:1). Each of us are weak and "down in out" at some point in our lives, and so it is important that when someone looks out for us, we return the favor. Furthermore, bearing one another's burdens is part of Christ's law! (Galatians 6:2).

?· Productive - Solomon urges us to consider the ant for its life of productivity (Proverbs 6:6). And, it is made clear by Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19 that we are to be productive in "going" out and teaching God's word.

?· Positive - Nothing is worse than someone who is always complaining. We need to have an attitude that expresses the joy of being a Christian and show that attitude in the way we live our lives.

The Christina Should Not Be:

?· Covetous - In Paul's letter to Timothy, he encourages the young preacher to not "stray from the faith" or as some versions word it, "covet" after the world's goods (I Timothy 6:10). And, the Colossians were informed that covetous was so serious, it is considered idolatry (Colossians 3:5).

?· Be Degrading to One Another - Titus was told "to speak evil of no one" (Titus 3:2). This most certainly goes for our fellow Christians. We need to guard ourselves against gossip and backbiting, knowing that such action will hurt others and shows a poor attitude on our part.

?· Be Negative - Equal to the need to be positive is the need for us not to be negative. All of us know people who always find the bad in life. These people are not encouraging to us at all! Let's not be one of them!

I hope these general, basic thoughts might help you, and all of us, to remember how important our attitudes really are!