Attitude

As i was re-reading Chapter Seven tonight getting ready to study and write, one word kept jumping off the pages at me over and over.  Attitude.

Oh boy, does this word pack a punch.  Think about if for a minute.  What good are we doing in our life, our husband's life or our children's lives if we do things with the wrong attitude?  And what will they take away if we do things with the right attitude?

No matter the circumstances, the schedules, the to-do lists or the setbacks, our attitude sets the stage for us and our family.  When things start falling apart and crumble, will we stay strong and persevere or will we run hiding our tails?  What response would you want your child to have?  They are watching us - every move, every word, every action and reaction.  If we want them to have a Christ-like attitude and a servant's heart, guess what?  They have to see it in us first.

What's holding you back?  Pray for strength and wisdom, then tackle it head on and be determined to conquer.

Philippians is full of Paul's views on what a Christian attitude should entail.  Here are a few verses to reflect on before we get into Chapter Seven - "What Will They Take Away."

Philippians 1:27 NIV
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. 

Philippians 2:3-7 NIV
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Philippians 2:14-15 NIV
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.

Under Pressure

Proverbs 6:6-8 NIV

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!  It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its foot at harvest.

Darlene writes "There are two kinds of women in this world, one who much like the ant plans wisely, and one who flies by the seat of her pants hoping that her cards will fall into place."  In today's fast-paced society, most days I feel like I just have to keep up and roll with the punches.  And then by the end of the day, I am frazzled and feel like I spent most of the day playing catch up.  It's just survival mode, isn't it?  But the days I actually take the time to make a plan and stick to my plan... well, those are the days I feel accomplishment and satisfaction.  Why don't I always make a plan?  Who knows!  But taking time to reflect on the above verse and this next one makes me realize God wants us to be prepared and work efficiently and effectively.

Proverbs 21:5 NIV

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

How can we be better prepared for each day?  A simple to-do list first thing in the morning can be highly effective.  There is no need to have an elaborate day planner to accomplish this.  And with all of the technology at our fingertips, our to-do list can be on our phone, tablet, computer or just good old-fashioned notebook paper.  Whatever works best for your situation.  We just have to make sure that whatever we use, it will be something we will want to continue using in order to make a difference in our days.  It takes the average person 21 days to make something a habit.  Can we challenge ourselves to make a plan everyday for 21 days?  And for those that already do this, share some tips with us!