A Positive Attitude IS Possible!

By Donna Steward, Guest Author

To live a fulfilling life, it is essential to cultivate a positive attitude. This can be accomplished by directing our attention toward the positive aspects of our lives, expressing gratitude for what we have, surrounding ourselves with positivity, and combating negative thoughts. Our attitudes are shaped by our choices, which are the product of our minds and the perspectives we choose to adopt.

Here are six ideas from Scripture that can help us develop an attitude that glorifies God.

Transformation

“Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God—which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2 New English Translation).

Believers should have a transformed mind and allow God to guide them in choosing attitudes that honor Him. It’s crucial not to conform to the world’s ways but to prioritize living a life that aligns with God’s will.

Faith

In Exodus 17, we are taught how the Israelites wandered in the desert and complained about the lack of food and water. They had the habit of complaining about every little thing since leaving Egypt. However, Moses and Aaron reminded them that their complaints were not against them but against the Lord. The real issue was their negative attitude. In every situation, we always have a choice. We can either complain or trust God’s ability to handle the situation.

Our wilderness experiences can make or break us, depending on our attitude. Complaining leads to inaction, while faith means moving forward with God. Trusting in Him while maintaining a positive attitude is the most vital step in overcoming any obstacle that comes our way.

Listening

The story of Dathan and Abiram in Numbers 16:12 serves as a stark reminder of the grave implications of stubbornness. These individuals were unwilling to address their differences with Moses and allowed their pride to interfere with their ability to heed the words of God’s appointed leader.

While having a strong will can be a commendable trait that fosters character strength and commitment, stubbornness stemming from a wrong attitude and selfishness can prove to be a significant liability. It is crucial to remain open to discussions and exhibit a willingness to listen to others, particularly those in positions of authority, to prevent adverse consequences.

Gratitude

Esther 6:6-12 is a great example of demonstrating thankfulness.The king was having trouble sleeping and decided to read a history book. While reading, he came across the story of how Mordecai had once saved his life. The king wanted to honor and recognize Mordecai for blessing his life.

We should follow his example and show gratitude to those who have helped us, no matter how small their deed or sacrifice. Our attitude for helping others should not be selfish ambition or seeking praise. Instead, we should aim to let others see God working in our lives.

Encouragement

The believers feared Paul because of the terror he had inflicted on the church, as Acts 9:26-27 teaches. They were skeptical of his alleged conversion, thinking it might be a ploy to find them out. However, when Barnabas accompanied Paul and verified his story, the believers accepted Paul as a brother in Christ. Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” lived up to his name by displaying a positive attitude. Can you also emulate Barnabas and be an encourager to those around you?

Focus

Colossians 3:2 instructs us to focus on things above rather than earthly things. This doesn’t mean we’re supposed to neglect our jobs or families. Instead, it means that, as believers, we should approach all aspects of our lives with a different attitude. We should center our lives on Christ, as we love Him and desire to live for Him. When we set our minds on things above, we see life from God’s perspective. Therefore, our attitude should be to serve and please Christ in all we do.

Bottom line

Every attitude begins in mind; we have a choice regarding how to look at the world. Therefore, we have the power to transform our attitudes and embrace positivity and growth. With a transformed mind, we can allow God to help us choose attitudes that honor Him.