Attitude is so important in the Christian life. Your attitude affects every area of your life – your relationships, your work, your walk with God. The Bible has a lot to say about the attitude we should have as followers of Christ. In this post, we’ll dive into the Scriptures to see what God’s Word teaches us about attitude.
Introduction
Our attitude is like the rudder of a ship – it determines the direction our lives will go. When we have the wrong attitude, it leads to sin and broken relationships. But when we embrace the attitude God desires, it unleashes amazing blessings in our lives.
The Bible makes it clear that God cares deeply about our attitude. In fact, our attitude is a reflection of what is happening in our inner person. That’s why developing the right attitude is so important. The good news is that we serve a God who can transform our hearts and minds to be more like Jesus if we submit to Him.
As you read through this post, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you and reveal areas where your attitude needs to change. God’s desire is to shape you into the image of Christ and that happens from the inside out. Be encouraged that you serve a powerful God who can radically transform your life as you yield to Him.
Now, let’s explore what the Bible teaches about having the right attitude as a follower of Jesus Christ. Here are three key takeaways we’ll cover:
Key Takeaways:
- Having a humble, servant-hearted attitude is foundational to the Christian life.
- We must see trials and suffering as opportunities to grow in godly attitude.
- Our attitude in every situation deeply matters to God.
Develop a Humble, Servant-Hearted Attitude
One foundational attitude all Christians must have is humility. The Bible is clear that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). As 1 Peter 5:5-6 says, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
To walk with God, we must clothe ourselves in humility. This means not thinking of ourselves as better than others, but instead relating to others with gentleness and respect (Philippians 2:3). Humility recognizes that every good thing we have comes from God alone.
The perfect example of humility is our Lord Jesus. Though He was God, He “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). Jesus gave up His rights and humbled Himself to serve us. As His followers, we’re called to have the same servant attitude.
Serving others with joy and love should be the norm for Christians, not the exception. As Galatians 5:13 says, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” God has freed us and blessed us so we can bless others through service.
Ask yourself: Do I have a servant’s heart like Jesus? Do I think more highly of myself than I ought to (Romans 12:3)? A humble attitude realizes that our value and identity come from Christ alone. We don’t have to prove our worth or jostle for position. As Christians, it’s not about us – it’s about living for God’s glory.
Embrace Trials as Opportunities for Growth
No one enjoys hard times and suffering. But the Bible tells us that trials and tribulations will come. As James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Our natural attitude is to grumble and complain when experiencing difficulties. But God tells us to embrace trials with joy because they produce character, hope and maturity in us (Romans 5:3-4). Hardships strip away our self-reliance so we lean more on Christ.
The testing of our faith through trials reveals what’s really inside our hearts. Will we respond with faith in God’s goodness or with bitterness, anger and fear? As 1 Peter 1:6-7 explains, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Going through the fire reveals the purity of our faith and refines our character. That’s why we can even rejoice in sufferings (2 Corinthians 12:10). God uses trials to shape Christlike attitude in us – faith instead of fear, joy instead of despair, perseverance instead of discouragement. The right attitude says, “Lord, use this trial to make me more like You.”
How do you typically respond when undergoing suffering or grief? Do you get angry at God? Or do you trust His good plans to use this for your growth? Ask God to develop His attitude in you so you can rejoice in trials.
Make Sure Your Attitude Honors God
In every situation – whether enjoyable or difficult – God cares deeply about our attitude. That’s because our attitude reflects the state of our hearts before God.
For example, Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Our attitude toward work should be to honor Christ by working wholeheartedly.
Whether we feel like it or not, we’re called to have an attitude of diligence and excellence: “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord” (Colossians 3:22).
This sincere, earnest attitude should characterize all we do: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). God cares as much about why we do something as what we’re doing.
The Bible also addresses our attitudes toward difficult people and unfair treatment. “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:17-18).
Even when someone wrongs us, we’re called to have a Christlike attitude of love and forgiveness, not resentment or revenge. We overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
In every situation – pleasant or unpleasant – God is testing our attitude. Are we impatient while waiting in line? Do we get angry or frustrated at inconvenient interruptions? Do we become discouraged and bitter when treated unfairly? Or do we accept trials and interruptions with patience, joy and grace?
The Bible says we can develop an attitude of contentment that remains unshakeable in all circumstances: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12). This Christlike attitude comes from finding our satisfaction in God alone.
Our attitude reveals so much about our spiritual walk. Examine your own attitude. Do you model Jesus’ example of humility, faith and contentment? Or are ungodly attitudes like pride, ingratitude, fear and selfishness taking root? Commit every area of your attitude to the Lord. With the Holy Spirit’s power, we can live out the words of Philippians 2:5 – “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
Conclusion
Developing Christlike attitudes is a lifelong process for believers. But we serve a powerful God who can transform us from the inside out. As we submit our thought lives to the Lord, His Spirit renews our minds to be more like Jesus.
The Bible makes it clear that our attitudes have a profound impact on our lives. God cares deeply that we embrace attitudes of humility, faith in trials, and honor for Him. When our attitude lines up with God’s Word, it unleashes amazing growth and blessings.
As you yield more and more to Christ’s control each day, He will shape your attitudes to reflect His goodness, wisdom and love. Keep pressing into God’s Word and pursuing intimacy with Him. There is no limit to what God can do in your life when you say “yes” to Him every day. He longs to do immeasurably more than you could ask or imagine as you walk with Him (Ephesians 3:20).
I pray this overview on godly attitudes from Scripture has encouraged and challenged you. May your passion be pursuing the mind of Christ in every thought, deed and attitude. As you do, your life will increasingly shine for God’s glory.
