"ATTITUDES NEEDED"

As Christians who so often work together in a local congregation, the right attitudes are very necessary and so helpful. We may have all sorts of talent in a congregation but all the talent in the world cannot make up for wrong or bad attitudes. When we have the right attitudes, our best efforts in service to the Lord are greatly enhanced and will better live up to their full potential. In what areas should we be concerned about our attitudes? I see at least four. 1. Our attitude toward God 2. Our attitude toward ourselves as individuals 3. Our attitude toward one another and 4. Our attitude toward the work we do together as a church. In at least these four areas, we must be sure to maintain the proper attitudes for the sake of The Body as well as those watching from the outside who may be won by our life. And what are the proper attitudes? Let's begin with our ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD. First of all we need an 'Attitude of Love." We must have the right kind of love toward God. Jesus defined that kind of love in Luke 10:27, "So he answered and said," 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart (Emotion), with all your soul (Conscience), with all your strength (Desire), and with all your mind (Intellect),' and 'your neighbor as yourself.'" (NKJV) Do we love the Lord with 'all our heart, soul, mind and strength' or 'all our Desire, Intellect, Conscience and emotion'? Then we need an attitude of FAITH AND TRUST. Faith is a strong conviction and trust in things a person does not see but of which a person does have some understanding - Hebrews 11:1. Hebrews 11:6 tells us 'Without faith, it is impossible to please God.' Do we have the kind of faith every day that pleases God? If not, read again Romans 10:17, "Faith comes by..." We also need an attitude of THANKFULNESS. Every Christian should have "the attitude of gratitude" - Colosians 3:17; Ephesians 5:20 God's righteous indignation is toward those who have become unthankful in tneir living -Romans 1:18-21. An attitude of thankfulness for the blessings we have will help put aside the bitterness that so often destroys the spirit in any congregation or individual life. If our relationship with God is right, it increases the likelihood that our relationship with others will be smooth as well. Proverbs 16:7 tells us, "When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (NKJV) We will pick up next time with attitudes we need to have towards ourselves. God bless and stay faithful...WITH A GREAT ATTITUDE!