What to Do When You Need an Attitude Adjustment

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A very wise friend once said, “If everyone is annoying you and getting on your last nerve . . . you have to stop and think about the common denominator. Maybe the problem is you.”

How’s your attitude?

When I’m cranky and irritable it’s easy to blame everyone and everything. To look around and grumble . . . LIFE’s NOT FAIR!

Yes, it’s true I’m not always Polly Positive. Don’t judge me!

The fact is—life’s not fair.

So, you and I have a decision to make every morning. Am I going to let negative circumstances and situations make me miserable or am I going to fight self-pity with goodness?

What?

Fight self-pity with goodness?

What’s that?

Jesus showed people God’s goodness. 

And Paul wrote the following to the people of Philippi:

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:5

What does having an attitude like Jesus look like?

Paul went on:

Though He was God,
    He did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
Instead, He gave up His divine privileges;
    He took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When He appeared in human form,
    He humbled Himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-8

Talk about not fair!

Jesus stepped out of heaven into the limitation of time, space, and physical form because of love and goodness.

When You Need an Attitude Adjustment – Follow Jesus

Spend time alone with the Father

Knowing the right thing to do and when to do requires a close relationship with the One who knows the big picture and is able to guide and direct those who put their trust in Him.

Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. Luke 5:16

Be strong and courageous

Goodness is not weak. It takes strength and courage to do the right thing and even more strength to do what is kind.

^{“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1}

Be Humble

Humility begins with the Father. It recognizes who you are as His creation and child. It’s humility in you and me that helps us surrender to following and serving God.

But among you, it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Luke 22:26

Have integrity

Be honest and consistent. Be whole and undivided. Be the same with rich and poor, young and old, influential or not. Be the same no matter where you are or who you’re with.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Be a friend

Take an interest in the people around you. Spend time with them. Show people Jesus’ love.

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I call you friends because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father. John 15:15

Be kind and compassionate

Goodness shows itself by being kind and compassionate. It takes an interest in others and meets their needs as it is possible. Jesus showed people God’s love.

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8

Trust the Father’s will

Surrender to God’s plan. Believe His will is best even when it’s hard . . . that’s obedience. For you and me that’s lived out loud faith.

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Luke 22:42

Paul wrote the following words just a bit ahead of his words about having a Christ-like attitude:

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?  Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Philippians 2:1–2

Wouldn’t it be nice if it were easy?

I’ll be honest with you…

I have times when I don’t really want to have a good attitude. Times when I’d rather be self-indulgent, selfish, and self-absorbed.

I’m human.

Rev used to ask our Bible Study class who they thought about more than anyone else. Spouse? Children? Friends?

Nope.

We all think about ourselves most of all and I’ve learned it’s impossible to have a good attitude and enjoy happiness when I give in to selfishness.

The Truth

Want to be happy? You need an attitude adjustment.

Happiness is the result of a good attitude and a good attitude is a blessing of being focused on God, loving and trusting Him and with His help loving the people He puts around you.

That’s why when everyone is getting on your last nerve you need to look at the common denominator!

“The right attitude is this: that I have my own will, yet I will the will of God.” ~Watchman Nee

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