Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Robert Ricciardelli

Home
About

Home
New Visions
Get Your Attitudes Adjusted for the New Year by Lee Grady

Get Your Attitudes Adjusted for the New Year by Lee Grady

Last updated on: January 9, 2011 at 6:28 am by editorconvergingzone

Get Your Attitudes Adjusted for the New Year by Lee Grady 2011-01-09T06:28:00-08:00 editorconvergingzone

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Jesus clearly described the heart attitudes that please Him. Make the Beatitudes your goal in 2011.

I’m not a big fan of religious greeting cards, especially the schmaltzy, pastel-colored variety that feature flowers and rainbows along with an obligatory Bible verse. The verse often comes from Jesus’ opening words in the Sermon on the Mount. We call this passage in Matthew 5 the Beatitudes.

These are weighty, gutsy, penetrating words—but they are neutered when we treat them like sappy poetry. The Beatitudes are not platitudes. Jesus was not tiptoeing through the tulips and mouthing pleasant phrases so they could decorate crocheted pillows or stained-glass windows.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus declared war on status quo religion and overturned the world’s values. These strong words are the muscle and bone of the kingdom of God. With them Jesus outlined His plan for a new kingdom and described the heart attitudes we must have to please Him.

Do you want to experience God’s blessing in 2011? Let Jesus adjust your attitude. Here’s your checklist from Matthew 5:3-12:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

This speaks of a dependent attitude. Do you constantly acknowledge your need for God, even in small things? Or do you only seek His help when you can’t figure things out on your own? The path to true blessing begins when we acknowledge that God is God and we aren’t. If your prayer life is weak, it’s because you really don’t believe you need God’s help.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Do you have a repentant attitude? Do you sense the Holy Spirit’s conviction immediately after you sin? Or does God have to send three warnings and a sledgehammer to wake you up? Are you painfully aware of your tendency toward sin, or do you make excuses for it—or hide it? God does not look for perfect people—but He is attracted to those who make repentance a daily habit.

“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.”

We need a humble attitude. The world teaches us to compete and win so we can be top dog. Jesus calls us to take the lowest place. The world says it’s okay to fight and claw your way to “success” at any price—no matter how many people you hurt along the way. Jesus declared that the secret to true strength—and real leadership—is servanthood.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

Do you have a zealous attitude? You won’t accomplish anything for God if you are half-hearted, smug or satisfied with the status quo. You must never get to the point that you have “arrived.” Jesus calls us to be passionate. You cannot settle for yesterday’s manna. If you allow the Holy Spirit to fill you continually, you will fast, pray, worship and pursue God with increasing intensity.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

Jesus calls us to have an attitude of forgiveness. The world says we have a right to get offended. But Jesus calls us to turn the other cheek and pray for our enemies. Are you holding any grudges? Has your heart grown cool toward a family member, a friend or a co-worker because of something they said or did? Jesus said His love flows through the channel of forgiveness, and we cannot know His love intimately if we refuse to forgive others.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Do you have a clean heart? The world says sexual purity is passé. A million voices invite us to indulge at Baal’s altar. Have you kept your conscience clean? If you have sinful habits, have you confessed these to Christian friends and asked for healing prayer? The world also says it’s okay to cheat and lie to get your way. What’s inside your heart that others can’t see? Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to refine your corrupt motives, or do you manipulate people so you can accomplish your selfish agenda?

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

We need an evangelistic attitude. Many Christians prefer to be spectators, never actually engaging in the work of ministry. Yet God is looking for mature disciples who will share the gospel, win souls, pray for people, use their spiritual gifts and actively carry the message of reconciliation to those who need Christ. Are you willing to swallow your fears, open your mouth and become His ambassador?

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Do you have a faithful attitude? Jesus said many people who receive the Word of God eventually fall away from the faith because of persecution and affliction. Are you holding onto Jesus no matter what happens? When life gets tough, do you quickly lose heart and give up—or do you turn to Jesus for the grace He promised?

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Do you have a joyful attitude? It is one thing to endure hardship; it is another thing to endure it with overcoming joy. When you go though painful circumstances, do you choose to rejoice—or do you whine and complain through the entire process? God does not call us simply to tolerate the difficulties of life; if we rejoice in the hard times we will emerge as more than conquerors.

The kingdom of Christ is firmly built on these spiritual values. By His grace each of these attitudes can be yours in 2011.

Coach Robert

Previous Post

January 9, 2011

En Pos de la Estatura de Cristo por Francis Frangipane

Next Post

January 9, 2011 Grace: God’s Unspeakable Gift by James Ryle

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Arts & Entertainment Business Coach Robert Coaching Community Education Faith Family/Relationships Government Health History/Biography Leadership Marriage Mindset Musings Science Technology

Select a Month June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

How should Christians respond to insults?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Bless those who curse you Fight back Ignore always Insult in return