Do you ever have one of those days when everything seems to go wrong and you feel like the biggest grump? Are you guilty of complaining or being discontented with your circumstances? You'll probably agree with me that we all have bad attitudes at times. I am constantly exhorting my children to have good attitudes toward others and toward their responsibilities, but I find that I am often guilty of not demonstrating a good attitude myself. What does the Bible have to say about our attitude?
Philippians 2:14-15 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"
It is my desire as a Christian for others to see the love of Jesus in my life. My light should not only be shining when I'm out in public; it should be shining in my home as well. When my children choose to have a bad attitude about a decision I have made or a task I have assigned, I interpret their attitude as a sign of rebellion. Likewise, when I choose to have a bad attitude, I am rebelling against God's ways. What should my attitude be in my roll as a wife or mother?
II Corinthians 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
In context this verse deals with giving to the Lord's work, but it can also be applied to the way in which I care for and attend to my family's needs. We should be cheerful givers of ourselves to those around us.
Proverbs 31:13 "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."
A virtuous woman knows what God desires for her, knows her responsibility according to God's Word, and she follows His will with the proper attitude. She worketh willingly with her hands. The definition of willingly is: with free will; without reluctance; cheerfully; by ones own choice.
A cheerful attitude is the difference between a relaxed, enjoyable home and a home with no peace. I want to have a peaceful home! Although I love being a homemaker, it is sometimes a challenge for me to work willingly and cheerfully around the house. How should I respond when a child asks for a cup of water at 2 a.m. or asks me to tie his shoe for the tenth time? What should my frame of mind be as I'm washing the fourth load of laundry for the day or ironing my husband's shirts? How should I feel as I serve 126 plates of food each week to my family? I need to do all of these things willingly. I should serve those around me not just because I have to, but because I want to. The following verse gives us a good guideline for serving others willingly:
I Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
How can you glorify God if you are constantly murmuring and complaining, even silently? No matter what you are doing, you are still a light to the world and those in your home. Your attitude can hinder others from trusting God or accepting Christ as Saviour.
Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
Having a negative attitude is an indication that one is not content with the state one is in. Usually when we complain it is because we would rather be doing something else instead of what is needed. Complaining is a reflection of the heart.
How can we be content and have a cheerful attitude? We need to focus on the God of peace!
Tomorrow I will continue this thought by looking at God's formula for having a right attitude. As you go throughout the remainder of your day, evaluate your attitude toward your duties and the people around you. We can have victory in this area!
