This week’s Mindful Monday devotional is all about your attitude. Literally 🙂 This points at you and I both, so I’ll let you get right to it 🙂
(thanks to YouVersion for this devotional)
It’s About Attitude
Attitude determines so much of our lives. It governs the way we perceive the world and the way the world perceives us. It drives behavior and sets the tone for conversations. Attitude literally affects every area of our lives, yet most of us don’t have a good handle on it.
Attitude is defined as, “the way we think and feel about someone or something that affects our behavior.” Isn’t that so true? The way we feel about ourselves, others, failure, rejection, and success determines so many of our actions. It’s natural to base our actions on our feelings. But even though it “feels” right, having a feeling-based attitude can be destructive.
Feelings leave so much of our attitude up to chance. When circumstances leave us feeling bad, our negative attitude gives way to gossip and complaining. When situations and people leave us feeling good, our positive attitude allows us to find solutions and see opportunity.
God didn’t design our attitude to be based off of feelings but off of Christ. He is constant. His truth is unchanging and ever present. God has called us to a place of freedom, even in our attitude. This place doesn’t ignore our feelings, but doesn’t force us to be ruled by them either.
When we know and understand that God’s truth far outweighs earthly circumstances, we apply it to all areas of our life, including our attitude. His hope and truth becomes the anchor for our attitude instead of our feelings and circumstances.
As you go throughout your day begin to notice what situations affect your attitude. How does the outcome of each situation change your attitude? Can you imagine a life where you are still upset but have an attitude of joy and peace?
“Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
–Colossians 2:7 ESV“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” –Colossians 3:17 ESV