But kicked and swam, and swam and
kicked, then hopped out, via butter.

  • D. The power of attitude is seen in the fact that since it reflects what we believe, it reflects what we are, what we will do, what we will sacrifice, how hard we will work, and how much of ourselves we will give to anything
  • 1. There can be no doubt that attitude is a great determining factor of success
  • 2. It is as true of the work of the church as it is with anything else
II. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT ATTITUDES?
  • A. First, English translations of the Bible use "attitude" to translate words that might also be translated as: mind, countenance, heart
  • 1. Translators use the word attitude because it accurately reflects the meaning of the passage
  • 2. Attitude is a very descriptive word that gives insight into how a person thinks or feels about something or someone
  • B. Note the following examples
  • 1. Gen 31:2 And Jacob saw the attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not friendly toward him as formerly. (NAS)
  • 2. Phil 2:5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, (NAS)
  • 3. IKing 11:11 So the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. (NIV)
  • 4. Ezra 6:22 For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel. (NIV)
  • 5. Dan 3:19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual (NIV)
  • 6. Eph 4:22-23 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; (NIV)
  • 7. 1 Pet 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. (NIV)
  • C. It is obvious that God's word recognizes the importance of attitude, and either commends or condemns people for the product of attitude in their lives
III. ATTITUDES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE LORD'S CHURCH
  • A. A positive attitude toward God
  • 1. It will make a difference in how interested you are in God
  • 2. It will shape your willingness to seek for spiritual growth
  • 3. It will determine the moral climate you decide to live in
  • B. A positive attitude toward the church
  • 1. We need to promote, talk up, let people know about the church