Pastor Jack's Thoughts 1/19/09
ATTITUDES
This past Sunday and my message was based on the story of the Loving Father and the Prodigal sons. This story from God's Word helps us think about attitudes and how they affect us and others in our daily lives. The father in the story had a very loving attitude toward his wayward son. He waited patiently for him to return and when he did, he forgave him with great joy. This attitude is a picture of the attitude our Heavenly Father has toward each of us.
This younger son had a very selfish attitude. He was greedy and unthankful. He asked for his inheritance and then spent it on selfish things that he thought would make him happy. Only in the end when he was destitute did he return and ask forgiveness of his father for his foolish ways and selfish attitude. Do you see the way that his attitude affected his entire life in the end?
The next Sunday that we have a split service in February, we will look at the attitude of hatred and jealousy that plagued the older son in this story. He was very legalistic and unforgiving of his younger brother. The Father has to gently remind him that He loved him as well. Our attitudes often form our actions! Watch your attitude this week? How does it affect your actions? Philippians 2:5 begins with "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus......" Jesus did not think highly of Himself but humbled Himself and became a servant. He was willing to suffer on a cross for you and me.
This week, think how your attitudes shape your day? Are they like the attitudes of our Savior? Make a note of bad attitudes and what they resulted in and make note of good attitudes and the end result of those too. Let us learn from God's Word and from His Holy example.
Jack L. Martin |
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