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THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTITUDE

Written by Mel Ingram for the Men’s

Sojourners’ Class - Balboa Baptist Church

Hot Springs Village, AR

(Revised July 26, 2005)

 

Mel’s definition of the word, Attitude:

 

Attitude is ‘mind-set’ that demonstrates one’s mental disposition with regard to and feeling towards a certain set of facts or state-of-being.  It reflects one’s true and innermost beliefs, based on one’s knowledge, life experiences and emotional health.  In a word, attitude is the equivalent of one’s ‘outlook’ on life.

 

Why is attitude (outlook) important?

 

  1. It reflects one’s current state of readiness to respond to life’s challenges and discouraging situations….  Are they really insurmountable and impossible to deal with?

 

  1. It determines how one reacts to concepts, ideas and theories….  Do you sway with the ebb and flow of the tides of life – or do you struggle to bring about for what you personally deem to be right and true?    Do you know who you are – deep down?  Do you know where you stand on issues, principles, morality, religion and other essentials?

 

  1. It defines one’s outlook on life….  Is your world view convoluted – all bent out of shape by all sorts and kinds of erroneous input into your mental storage of knowledge? 

 

What types or kinds of attitudes are prevalent in a post-modern society?

 

  1. POSITIVE -- Cheerful, constructive, optimistic, helpful, loving, caring, supportive.  Great ideas!  I’ll try!  Of course I can!  I will and I shall – because I believe what I’ve undertaken is right and just.  I’m certain I can accomplish the task set before me!  I’m sure I can!  I certainly agree with these goals!  I really do care what happens!
  2. NEGATIVE -- Despairing, destructive, pessimistic, defeatism, unbelieving, distrustful, gloomy, cynical, despair, despondency, dejection.  I can’t do it; how can I?  Why try?  It’s all so hopeless!  I’m not about to get involved in that job!  Forget it – you’ve got to be kidding!  I doubt that is even possible!  It’s too much for just one person!
  3. NEUTRAL -- Indifference identifies this attitude.  I’m not at all certain!  I have no opinion about that.  Thanks, but I’ll just wait and see how things go!  Does anyone really care?  How do the others feel about that?  Perhaps another time.  I’m not sure I’m qualified for that.  What difference could the outcome possibly make?
  4. ANGRY – Defensive by nature; aggressive by design; explosive by habit.  Who says?  Why pick on me?  I’ll show you and that whole bunch of losers!  How dumb and absurd can you be?  That idea is utterly stupid -- what dimwit dreamed that up?  I hate things like that, especially when such idiots are involved.

 

Can attitude (outlook) change?

 

Of course it can!  It is possible to add knowledge and develop wisdom!   Your emotional health is subject to improvement.  Your innermost beliefs can be completely revamped.  As these things are accomplished, you will be adding new and improved life experiences!  Your perceptions can be refurbished – your direction made clearer!  You can refocus your outlook and make a 180-degree turn in your attitude!

 

Where do I begin and how do I get started?

 

You start at the beginning, of course – there is no other way for new beginnings!  You must take inventory of yourself.   Where do you presently stand?  What are your hopes? Where do your aspirations lie?  Where do you go to claim hope in life?  In what do you trust?  In whom does your trust rest? 

 

Have you really listened to the gospel story about Jesus Christ?  Have you actually weighed your condition before God and considered your personal relationship with Jesus? 

 

So you want to change your attitude?

 

First things, first.  YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN!  Begin all over again – find new life in the Lord.  Oh, you may say, “I’ve been saved, but I still have a problem with my temper. You might even say I have occasional tantrums or even throw a fit now and again.”  Well, then, maybe it’s time for reassessment. – for renewal – for rededication to your Lord and Redeemer.

 

 When you’re right with the Lord, your attitude about life will take a drastic change for the better!  New friends will be found – old relationships mended.  Loved ones will see a change in you and you will become more loveable, even as you reassess lessons once learned about how to love. 

 

You can have a new beginning – a new lease on life!

  Mel Ingram

547 Primrose Lane

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

mel-ing@sbcglobal.net

 

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