“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” John C. Maxwell
What does your attitude towards life look like? Do you have a negative attitude that is infecting your life and those that are around you? What can you do to change?
Your attitude is more important than your current facts.Your facts may say, “There is no way you can meet your financial obligations with your current income, you will not get the promotion because you lack the proper experience and education or you cannot start the business because you don’t know the right contacts.
The facts in your life may tell you what isn’t possible, but the right attitude will help you see the possibilities even through what looks impossible.
My Facts
A few years ago the facts in our family life presented a dismal picture. We were encountering a serious storm that would not calm down. There were many days I doubted whether we would make it or not.
It seemed the more I prayed the more intense the storm became. The storms relentless pressure allowed an attitude of despair and defeat to infect my mind and distract my walk.
One evening I was having one of my “woe is me “pity parties. I was complaining about everything. According to my stinking attitude nothing was going right. I could not see the potential possibilities because my mind was filled with doubt and anxiety. I needed a serious attitude adjustment.
The Turning Point
After few more minutes of whining and crying I took my shower, prayed for my family before they went to bed and watched Sports Center. I watched Sports Center for about thirty minutes then I went down stairs to my basement to read and meditate.
I began to read the story of when Moses sent the twelve spies to investigate the land that God promised them for an inheritance. As I read the story, I begin to see my current attitude was similar to that of the negative ten spies.
Their fearful and negative attitude kept them from inheriting the Promised Land because they:
- Disobeyed God’s directions.
- Believed the land had no future.
- Lived in fear of the people that inhabited the land.
- Left God out of their report to Moses.
- Suffered from a grasshopper complex.
The ten spies’ negative attitude infected the whole congregation of Israel causing nearly two million people to miss their future inheritance. I thought about not only could my negative attitude have a detrimental effect on my future progress, but also my family and others connected to me. I discovered that night my attitude was bigger than me.
The other two spies (Caleb and Joshua) had a positive attitude that positioned them to experience what the negative ten spies never experienced; living in the Promised Land.
They were able to inherit the Promised Land because they:
- Obeyed God’ directions
- Believed they could possess the land.
- Walked in courage to challenge the people in the land.
- Knew God would give them victory.
- Saw themselves as mighty men.
A New Attitude
After reading about the twelve spies and the consequences of a negative attitude, I was encouraged to change my attitude. I gleaned from the two spies (Joshua and Caleb) that it is my responsibility whether I allow negative thinking to hinder my future progress or I can incorporate a positive mindset to propel me towards my destiny. I chose the latter.
I learned seven truths about the affect your attitude can have on your current realities and your future possibilities from the twelve spies. I learned your attitude:
- Helps you determine an optimistic or pessimistic approach to life’s circumstances.
- Is often the only difference between success or failure.
- Is the foundation for living by faith or fear.
- Gives you a hopeful or cynical perspective about your present and future life.
- Dictates your influence with people whether negative or positive.
- Elevates or deflates your expectations.
- Positions you for excellence or mediocrity.
We cannot control everything that happens around us or to us, but we can control our attitude. If you are dealing with a situation that is causing you to have a negative attitude, stop and recalibrate your thinking. Focus your mind on what God says is possible for you. Your attitude will make the difference on how you view the facts in your life.
Question: How can you reflect a more positive attitude even when the facts in your life present a negative picture? Leave a comment below.
Image courtesy: freedigitalphotos.net
TCAvey says
Thank you, I needed to hear this today.
My family is going through a storm. My faith started out strong but my attitude has started taking on a defeated aspect. I needed this kick in the pants to remind me this isn’t about me and my power to fix this…it’s about God’s abilities and promises. I needed this attitude adjustment. I don’t want to settle for mediocrity. Nor do I want to be one of the ten who missed the blessings by not seeing God in the middle of the giants!
Great post!
Bernard Haynes says
I can totally agree with you. I wrote this post from a current point of
reference. I know what is like to start with strong faith, but only to
see my attitude of faith dwindle as the storm continued to grow
stronger. I have to constantly remind myself of how God worked things
out in previous storms and He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I
will continue to lift you and your family in prayer as God elevates you
in the midst of your storm that when you come out your testimony
will enlighten others to the awesome grace and mercy of God. Be blessed.
Dan Black says
Attitude is so important! I think being grateful and thankful about life helps us to remain focused on the good and allows us to have or maintain a positive attitude. Great post!
Bernard Haynes says
Thanks for commenting Dan.
Dan Black says
Your welcome:)
Ngina Otiende says
Great post Bernard. I love this “Attitude is often the only difference between success or failure.” I think if people realized this, they would work harder to keeping and cultivating a better attitude!
I think for me, I cry out to God to help me with my attitude when times are thick. I think in some seasons no matter how much we try, the crushing weight of our realities will just smash out a good attitude 🙂 So I’ve learned (still learning) to run to God, and have Him help me get up to where I need to be.
Bernard Haynes says
Ngina, great insight. Philippians 4:7 says it best, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.