Thursday, March 5, 2009

Attitude~~Mind

What we think and believe will inevitably come out in our actions. In one-way or another a negative attitude can make or break a relationship. The power of your mind is a strong force and can be used to do good with or can be used to do damage with.
What do you watch on TV?
Who do you hang out with in your spare time?
What kind of people do you work with on any given day?

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22,23

What happens when we watch inspirational and meaningful programs on television?
We walk away feeling good and having a good outlook on life. Can I get a AMEN?!
We literally become inspired. But what happens when we watch horrific or violent images and hear negative and destructive programs on television? It gives us the opposite effect, doesn't it? We may feel depressed, sad, lonely, or angry watching these negative programs on a daily basis. It may even give us nightmares during the night, making us feel tired and grouchy in the morning.

In the same way, the people we associate with could be steering us away from God rather than to God. As believers our minds absolutely need a daily dose of spiritual wisdom and guidance to help us get through the day. Many people we interact with through the day may use foul language, or boast unkind words about each other, and they may have a bad attitude toward life in general. This is not what our minds need to see and hear every day.

We need to observe and choose the right road!

We should affirm our Christ centered beliefs every day with daily devotions and prayer. Keep our focus always on Christ and take Him with us when we leave the house. When we go to work and when we are around people who cannot control their tongues and bad attitudes, we can be the salt of the earth and the light on the mountaintop for them!

Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5

How can we have a Christ like attitude when we get all stressed out because the boss gave us a heavy load, or there is too much office politics between co-workers, or there is favoritism going on with the manager?
Don't let yourself become a part of it!

Anything which comes from God is able to overcome the world: and the power by which we have overcome the world is our faith. 1 John 5:4

As Christ followers we are not to be a part of this world. We should not intermingle within the worldly behaviors and attitudes of unbelievers. Don't let the world tell us who we are - let God tell you us who we are. We must learn to affirm in our heart and mind who we are and what we believe through what we know to be true.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. 1 Corinthians 3:19

I don't believe, that no matter how hard we tried, we could ever have the same attitude as Jesus, but at least we have an example to follow, so that when we are
in the world among unbelievers we can be the affirmation for Jesus Christ.
Jesus' attitude was a humble one and He walked the earth serving others.
We should try and follow that attitude to the best of our ability.
To serve others is not to be like them but to be different and stand
out as an example of virtue and principles.

Isn't that following Jesus Christ?

Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:14,15

31 comments:

Beth Herring said...

Sharon - thanks for this great post. It had so many little nuggets of truth in it!

I want to stand apart. I want to walk in godliness and holiness. I am so thankful for a loving and patient God.

In Him
Beth

Debra said...

I want to follow too. Not my own heart, or someone else's ideas, but Him.
I love the photos in this post. Reading it was like sitting beside a cool, slowly moving stream. The words really sunk deep.

May I please copy the last photo to my computer? I'd like to print it out.
Love, Debra

Leaon Mary said...

I just got some affirmation reading this Sharon! Thanks SO MUCH!
Holykisses,
Lea

Debra said...

I got the picture-thank you !!
Love, Debra
P.S. Nope, Mr. Ed probably won't be back, but I'll keep my eyes open for him anyway!

Dennie said...

hi Sharon.... i like the verses you posted and how you interpreted them.. it truly inspires me everytiome I get to visit your site.

Stay blessed, my sister!

God's Girl said...

Great post! I say Amen to it!
My prayer recently has been I want to love Jesus more. thank you for the inspiration.

Love,
Julie

From the Heart said...

A great post. After I had to quit work in 1999 I started watching a couple of soap operas (and had through the years off and on), but one day it hit me that none of the characters were every happy. Oh for a while they would be but then off to someone or some place else. When I read a book I like it to have a happy ending. That's the day I quit watching those and still watch very little TV. The news sometimes, but most of it is never good either.

Since I started the Bible Study and blogging I don't have time to do much else and I get a lot of more things on these post than I ever would doing anything else. Can you believe it will be a year in about a month since I started this. It truly has kept me going and given me something to do. I feel I'm right where God wants me to be.

I appreciate your visits, Sharon, but don't feel bad if you miss sometimes. I have put it all in God's hands and pray that those who need what I put on my blog will get it.

You have been a blessing to me, a part of my world. This world is totally different from the world I was in when I worked. My faith in God is so much stronger. Thanks for always being there when I needed you and God knows exactly when those times are.
You are blessed, my sister,
Luv u,
AliceE. :)

debrah said...

Great Post Sharon! I also like what Alice said about getting back to Bible Study and blogs rather than t.v. There is such a great need to get back to bible study (in my humble opinion) it seems for the last few years that people are depending on contemporary books more than the Word of God...some of these books are quite good but still should not be used a replacement for the Word of God...even from the pulpit we often hear more about personal experiences then we do about the Word of God...I have had people quote scripture and crediting whatever book/author they are currently reading...when I reply isn't that in the bible..they just shrug there shoulders...I am on about this because I have become guilty of this also...there was a time and not too long ago where I couldn't get enough of the Word of God...I too have become sluggish in picking up the bible and spending some real time with our Lord and Savior...if we don't read His Word and spend time with Him...then How can we know Him and How can we follow? Thank you Sharon for keeping us stirred up.
You are a blessing.
In His Love,
Be Blessed,
Debrah

LisaShaw said...

Every time I visit you I leave FULL. You are equipped with the meat of the Word of God and you share it generously. May God's favor rest upon you for it.

I love you and was blessed in the message!

More Than Words said...

Your post reminds me of that expression, "Garbage in, garbage out." I have to be careful what we filter through to our children here at home. Thank God we don't have cable!!

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Sis, This post reminds of a question asked oneday... The question was, where would you be, and what would you caught doing if Jesus came back unexpectantly? Would he find you somewhere pleasing to him? would he find you doing something that would be in line with your Christian walk.
Thanks for a great post that keeps us a little more in check.

Hugz Lorie

Alicia The Snowflake said...

You are so right. I have found this true again and again in my life. I have also tried to teach my son the Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life." We have to guard what goes into our heart. Like Alicia said, "garbage in, garbage out"

Thanks for this great reminder!

Starr LaPradd said...

Love your blog! What wonderful insight you have! Thanks for your comment on my blog the other day.
Blessings!

Technonana said...

Oh Preach On, My Sister!!

Greg C said...

I some times have to keep reminding myself; This is only temporary, just let it go. It is a struggle sometimes though when I hear all the office politics going on.

sailorcross said...

Beautiful, Sharon!!

And it is so true--what we are filling ourselves with will eventually work its way into our everyday lives--so are we filling ourselves with what God is asking us to--or all the "things" going on around us.

It's so easy to get drawn into these things--happens before you realize it and then you have to back away.

Television--I very rarely even have mine on anymore--there is just nothing that I find worth watching!!

Thanks for joining in the Weekly Memory Verse!!

Hope to see you next week!!

Beth

Dennie said...

got your message and thanks for leaving a comment.

i honestly dunno why my blog is not showing up on your update list page. will ask my friends about it.

blessings to you my dearest friend!

On Purpose said...

Thank you Sharon for the reminder of a right attitude! And leading us to the source of that right attitude!

Anonymous said...

hi sharon. my new site is www.piasjournal.com. come visit me there sometime.

Lynn - JnL4God said...

Hi
Feel like I've been MIA but wanted to stop by and say Hi. I think of you often and just needed to let you know.
Loves,
Lynn

Edie said...

This is a great post Sharon. We need to stay focused on Christ in all that we do.

I will follow. No turning back.

Blessings to you today!!

Sharon Brumfield said...

Good stuff here girl!
The path I am walking right now takes me most days into the filth of this earth. It blows my mind that people can live with the negative trash that is hanging out in their lives and in their heads. If I am not spending time with God...they can wipe me in a matter of minutes.
If I don't concentrate on what is important and go out in to the world filled with the Spirit....what will I have to give?
And what will I end up bring home?
I NEED Him.....all it takes is one day in the world to let me know if I have been out without my armor on.
They need what I have....I need what He purchased for me.
Thanks for the reminder. :)
Good meat.

Denise said...

Awesome post.

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