Saturday morning my three boys, my husband, and several relatives on my husband's side, went golfing at Lake Murray in Oklahoma. Before they left, a little before 6:00 a.m., my husband and my boys told me goodbye. As Biscuit said goodbye and hugged me I said, "Have a good attitude!" I thought Biscuit would just say "Okay!", but instead he replied with a shocking question, "But what if the others don't?" I said, "Well, you still have to have a good attitude, even if the others don't." Biscuit said, "Okay," in a kind of disappointed sounding voice.
Apparently Biscuit knew something I didn't - that on golf trips he isn't always the one or the only one that gets a bad attitude, but that others sometimes do, too! So it left me wondering, "Who did Biscuit think would have a bad attitude?" His dad? His brothers? One of his uncles? His great uncle? He obviously had the impression that someone else would have the same struggle he would be having if their "game" didn't go like he wanted it to go!
It's normal for us to struggle some times with our attitudes. Attitudes certainly need adjusting at times, whether we like it or not. But sometimes, like Biscuit, we think that if others have bad attitudes, we're free to act as we please...giving no thought to the damage our attitudes can have on others around us or within our own relationships. Just because one person develops a bad attitude, it doesn't give us the right to do the same. Their bad attitude, however, can make it harder for us to have the right attitude, because we allow them to change our moods. Not good. Not good at all!
The Bible clearly tells us to be careful about our attitude. We are to imitate Christ's attitude. He is our perfect example. We aren't perfect, but we can strive to become more and more like him every day....regardless of golf shots and other irritating situations! Is it hard? Yes, it is! But as Christians, we must strive to be more and more like Him. That is God's Will for our lives.
By the way, apparently Biscuit came in 2nd in the golf games that day....beating everyone except his oldest brother. Not bad for a 9 year old! And I didn't get any bad attitude reports at all...about Biscuit or about any other golfers that day. Good job, Biscuit, and everyone else!
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
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:11-13
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus...
Philippians 2:5
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