DEVELOPING A GREAT ATTITUDE

What a morning!  The alarm clock went off thirty minutes earlier.  I had to wait in line to 
get to the shower.  Everyone was running here and there trying to get things together.  I 
liked to have NEVER got out of my street.  When I did, yellow flashing lights were 
everywhere.  It could only mean one thing—school's back.
	
How do you prepare yourself mentally for the hectic schedule today's families 
experience?  How do you keep yourself motivated?  How do you wake up with a 
positive spirit eager to shine for Jesus?  The answer—keep your attitude positive!
	
A popular motivational speaker is fond of saying "Attitude determines altitude."  Let 
someone with a positive attitude enter the room and everyone's attitude improves.  Let 
a grouch come in and before long, everyone will be grouchy.  How can we develop a 
great attitude that will change the world for Jesus?
	
First, surround yourself with positive people!  The apostle Paul understood the 
importance of attitude.  Because John Mark had abandoned the first missionary journey, 
Paul refused to allow him to go on the second.  Instead, Paul surrounded himself with 
men like Silas, Timothy, Luke and others who were an encouragement instead of a 
discouragement.  If you find your friends and associates bringing you down, it's time to 
get some new friends.  Listen to the words of Solomon, "Do not make friends with a 
hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn 
his ways and get yourself ensnared" (Proverbs 22:24-25).
	
Secondly, fill your mind with positive thoughts!  Whether it's books or music or 
private meditations, think on those things that bring you up, not beat you down.  Paul 
said, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, 
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is 
excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things" (Philippians 4:8).
	
Finally, count your many blessings!  When I reflect on all that God has done for me 
and has given to me, I can only say, "God is so good.  God is so good.  God is so 
good….."


Leslie S. Chapman