One of the most impressive things in the world is seeing someone in a bad situation with a good attitude. But that’s a tough assignment. It is easier said than done – but it is possible. By the way, what was ever gained by having a bad attitude? It makes matters worse instead of better. And that ought to provide us with a strong incentive to be at our best at all times.
The problem is that, although we know this, we fail to control ourselves. We are always, it seems, on the verge of failure. And our time of greatest danger is when we don’t think we are in danger. Our pride leads to our fall. We do just fine when it appears that all is well, but then something happens that puts us under pressure. It might be something as small as a rude driver or it might be as serious as bad news from your doctor. It might be the painful nagging of an everyday physical problem, a bad relationship, or a financial reversal. You know what your attitude should be, but you fail. And that compounds the problem.
A bad attitude not only robs you of peace and joy, it also makes others miserable. Worse than that it displeases God. He expects better from us. Even if no one else was affected, if our attitude displeases God that should be enough for us to address the matter. We have no right to ignore that which offends the Lord.
If we are going to get to the root of our problem we must understand the cause. And if there is any one word to sum up all the factors involved it is the word pride. Thinking we deserve more, bigger, or better causes us to get angry when we feel deprived of it. We want to be loved, respected, supported, etc. and when others disappoint us we want them to know about it.
Dealing with this difficult duty should remind us of our great need of God. Although His help is available we must avail ourselves of it. And to do that we must conform our ways to God’s word. Sometimes we think we’ve got one problem when in reality we have another – which is the cause. So we can’t make things right until we deal with main issue. Until we strike at the root we will never stop the fruit. That’s why some things keep coming back. Suppressing the problem might appear to eliminate it, but it doesn’t. To get to the root we must confess and forsake our sin. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
