Attitude

-Introduction

-Disclaimer:  There was no individual or situation that prompted this lesson. 

-Example of weatherman:  easy job right now – get to tell people the obvious – hot with

                                            little chance of rain

-This morning, I’m going to tell you the obvious – I’m going to tell you what you already

 know – Attitude is very important.

            -In this lesson, we’ll remain very basic regarding this topic.  Obviously, it could be

             explored more deeply.

-Necessity of Good Attitude

-We see the importance of attitude in the example given by Jesus in Luke 18:9-14.

-Obviously, as Christians, we are to live like Christians.  Clearly, there are certain things

 that we are to avoid and there are certain things that we are to do.

            -Gal. 6:10

-Yet, it’s not just about doing good, it’s also about doing it with the right attitude.

            -example of kids who reluctantly do what they are told

-As Christians, our speech is to be appropriate to the name we wear – Col. 4:6.

            -Again, with our words, it’s not just what we say but the attitude with which we speak.

                        -example of child told to say “sorry”

            -Nice words delivered with a poor attitude can do more harm than good.

-When we worship, it’s not just the fact that we are worshipping but the attitude with

 which we worship – John 4:24.

            -When we get up each Sunday and get ready for worship – set the alarm, shower, get

             dressed, eat breakfast, etc. 

            -Do we prepare ourselves mentally?  Do we give proper thought to what we are about

             to do?  We are about to offer worship to the Almighty God of heaven.  Yes, we need

             to prepare ourselves for worship in terms of attitude.

-Attitude and Three Crosses

-Matt. 27:38, 44; Mark 15:27, 32b; Luke 23:32, 39-43

-Here, we find significant variations regarding attitude.

-One thief – very poor attitude – defiant

-Other thief – poor attitude initially – But, shows that one can change his attitude for the

                                                better (honest, humble, penitent)

-But, when it comes to proper attitude, we need to look to the central cross – the Cross of

 Calvary.  There, we find the perfect attitude.

            -Luke 23:34

            -loving, kind, humble, forgiving, etc.

-When we think of the word attitude, think of the three t’s – the three crosses.

-Eph 4:1-3, 31-32; 5:1-2

-Word of Caution

-Here’s something that I have to remind myself of regularly:  Be careful with frustration.

            -It is very, very easy to become frustrated.

-The fact is, there is going to be frustration along the way – sometimes more than others.

            -I am an imperfect preacher serving under imperfect elders along with imperfect

             deacons and imperfect members in an imperfect congregation.  Yes, there are going

             to be some frustrations.

            -In this context, attitude is very, very important.  A proper attitude will handle

             frustrations well.  A good attitude will help you overcome and push through those

             frustrations.  (overcome & persevere)

-Yet, frustration can hinder your attitude.  And, frustration can lead to discouragement.

 Discouragement can have a very poor impact on attitude.  And, if we’re not careful we

 can allow a bad process to begin.

-Now, what kind of attitude do we portray when we discuss the church?  By focusing on

 a proper attitude, we can remain more positive regarding the church.

            -If you have parents who are discussing the church with their kids present – and those

             conversations are regularly negative – what impact is that going to have on the kids?

            -How is that going to shape their understanding, respect for, care for, desire to be a

             part of the church?

-Now think of the difference if the church is discussed with a good attitude.

            -That doesn’t mean that you always have to paint a nice, rosy picture.  That’s not

             realistic.  Yet, the attitude we portray – even when discussing frustrations and

             disappointments – can be very, very important.

-Summary and Invitation

-our church sign:  Happiness is an inside job. 

            -very true – Much of that will be determined by our attitudes.

-Let’s always remember who we are – Christians, children of God.  Let’s honor the name

 we carry – Christ.  Let’s remember what we are a part of – the church for which Jesus

 died.

            -Let’s work hard at carrying the right attitude.

-Are you a Christian?  Are you wearing Christ’s name?  Are you a child of God?

-If not, won’t you obey the Gospel of Christ?  Believe (John 3:16, 8:24), Confess your faith

 (Matt. 10:32, Rom. 10:9-10), Repent of Sin (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30), Be Baptized for

 forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38).

-If you’ve obeyed the Gospel but haven’t remained faithful, please return to God by

 acknowledging your shortcomings, repent and seek forgiveness through prayer