Godly Attitude

My attitude to life is like a fragrance. Everyone can tell it is there without seeing it. If I have a godly attitude, I bring with me the fragrance of Christ.

What does the Bible say about a godly attitude? -

1. Humility - Philippians 2v5-11
2. Godly Wisdom - James 3v17-18
3. Godly Fruit - Ephesians 4v20-5v2
4. Desire and treasure - Matthew 6v19-24
5. Trust - Matthew 6v28-7v1

Humility

Philippians 2:5-11

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Questions for reflection or discussion

1. How is Jesus’ attitude described here?
2. How did God reward Jesus for his attitude?
3. What would it mean for you to take on an attitude like this?

Thoughts to consider

God gave his greatest honour to the one who was willing to let go of the honour he rightfully had and took on the position in life that society painted him with. He had no natural platform, nor did he grasp one. He allowed his Father to lift him up and to allow him to be taken by his enemies.

Godly wisdom

James 3:17-18

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Questions for reflection or discussion

1. How is godly wisdom described?
2. How would such attitudes be overcome by selfish ambition and jealousy?
3. How could you develop godly wisdom?

Thoughts to consider

Godly wisdom comes from above. It is not inherent in people and therefore needs to be developed in us by God. This is done as we choose to live by his spirit.

Godly fruit

Ephesians 4:20 - 5:2

But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Questions for reflection or discussion

1. How are the new and old natures contrasted in this passage?
2. How are God and his Spirit affected by our bad behaviour?
3. What kind of attitudes does Jesus want to develop in us?

Thoughts to consider

The godly attitude is not something we conjure up ourselves. It is something that the holy Spirit develops in us as we choose to live by the Spirit’s direction.

Desire and treasure

Matthew 6:19-24

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Questions for reflection or discussion

1. What influence does treasure have on our desires and attitudes?
2. How does what we choose to focus on affect our desires and attitudes?
3. How do we choose whom to serve?

Thoughts to consider

My attitudes in life will be significantly affected by what I choose to focus on, to invest in and to spend my time and money on. If I choose God in each of these, then after a time, I will find that God himself is my treasure, and my attitudes will align with him.

Trust

Matthew 6:28 - 7:1

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Questions for reflection or discussion

1. What is there in life that we worry about?
2. What does Jesus say will be the outcome if we seek his kingdom?
3. What does it mean practically to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness?

Thoughts to consider

If I trust in money and see others as being in control of life circumstances, then I will be resentful or subservient to them. If I see myself as being in control I may become arrogant. If I trust God then I can walk with him in humility.

Overview question for reflection or discussion

1. How would you describe a godly attitude?
2. How does God change our attitude?
3. What can we do to contribute to a godly attitude?

Thoughts to consider

God changes our hearts and attitudes to be more respectful and caring towards others. Through this he develops in us the godly wisdom and humility of Jesus. These changes are not automatic. They come as we live focused on Jesus and inviting him to work in our lives.

Photo Credit

Serif