"ATTITUDES NEEDED" #4

Our first attitude today is the attitude we have TOWARD OUR WORK.

1) GRATITUDE FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF OUR WORK...

The Apostle Paul certainly possessed this attitude. 1 Timothy 1:12; 1 Corinthians 15:9,10.
Do we appreciate what an honor it is to offer service in The Kingdom of our Lord? And with that, do we possess ENTHUSIASM AND EAGERNESS that should accompany the work?

We are called to remember that God loves a cheerful giver - 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Nothing is so easy but that it becomes difficult if done with reluctance and a poor attitude

Yet, nothing is so hard that it cannot be made easier with enthusiasm.

We should also have DILIGENCE AND ENERGY in our work for God.
Like those in Nehemiah's day, we need a "mind to work." Nehemiah 4:6.
If we are to serve men "heartily", how much more the Lord? Colossians 3:23.
Some people are like blisters...they never show up until the work is almost done and even then they only want to complain.

The slothful person is just as harmful as the destructive person. Proverbs 18:9.

We Need An Attitude of INITIATIVE...
Initiative has been defined as the willingness to do what is right without having to be pushed or prodded.
We should not have to be reminded constantly of our responsibilities as children of God. 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6.

When you see something that needs to be done, don't criticize, energize! Jump right in and do it yourself!

THEN COMES A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
We are to do things without murmuring and grumbling. Philippians 2:14.
The chronic complainer and the negative thinker are obstructions to the work of a congregation.

ATTITUDE OF PERSISTENCE.
We must have the attitude of Christ, not just to do, but to finish the work of God. John 4:34.
We need "finish-ative" as well as "initiative". Hebrews 6:12.
Then we can say with Paul:  "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept The Faith." 2 Timothy 4:7.

CONCLUSION
Ideal attitudes make for ideal working conditions among the members of The Lord's church. Attitude improvement can be compared to the woodcutter sharpening his ax. Ecclesiastes 10:10.

If we want the work of the congregation to go smooth and efficient, we all need to hone our attitudes!
Certainly the attitudes described this lesson will help the cause of Christ in any congregation. They will improve our relation with God, ourselves, our fellow man, and the work we are called to perform.

They will make us "useful to the Master, prepared for every good work" 2 Timothy 2:21.
Are we developing the right kind of attitudes that prepare us for the work of the Lord?
May God bless until our next time...