How’s Your Attitude Today?
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
How’s your attitude today? Are you feeling blessed? Joyful? Content in your circumstances? Trusting God with your challenges? Or have you already given up before the day has really begun?
It’s easy to make excuses, to tell me that I really don’t know your circumstances or the challenges you face each day. And I don’t. Nor do you know mine. We all have times in our lives when we feel beaten down and times when we feel like we’re on top of the mountain. What’s important to remember is this: The God who is with us on that mountain top is the same God who carries us through the valley.
A young woman related her mother’s story the other day. Her mother was out of work for almost two years. She lost everything and she and her children had to move in with her elderly mother. She eventually found another job and slowly rebuilt her life.
The woman could have sunk into bitterness. Her children could have felt insecure and upset about the unfairness of it all. But they don’t. As her daughter said, they were blessed to have some place to go. It was hard; a difficult adjustment for everyone. But they had food and good health and the challenges drew their family closer together.
And made them fearless. Losing everything can do that to a person. You understand firsthand that God truly means it when He promises to carry you through, to provide what you need, to never leave you alone in the storm. And you come to know the difference between minor things and major ones.
Another woman faces debilitating pain. She acts defeated, ready to give up without even trying to get up again. I contrast that with yet another woman who is dying from cancer. She could be depressed. She could choose to devote her remaining time to self and family. Who could blame her? Instead she has become involved in a women’s prison ministry. She is using her time to give back even as she fights the effects of chemo and disease.
So, I’ll ask you again: How’s your attitude today? Are you defeated before you begin or are you determined to live as a blessed child of God no matter your circumstances? It’s your choice. Which one will it be?
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