Attitude

Attitude

Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature.

Ephesians 4:23-24, TLB

Throughout the Bible are references to taking off one garment and putting on another. It’s possible for a believer to be a new person in Christ who sometimes reverts to wearing the dirty clothing of the old person. God has given us a new wardrobe, but we have to make the choice to put on the new garments.

When we first trust Christ, we embark on a lifelong adventure of change. Transformation in our attitudes and thoughts doesn’t happen immediately. As we follow God, we will change constantly. The same is true for our children, and when we see them demonstrating growth in attitudes through good choices and actions, it’s wise for us to affirm them.

Just recently I sent notes to all three of my sons (even the two living at home), calling attention to areas of growth that I appreciated. One had begun tithing—a generous attitude. One had taken his younger brother out for lunch—a kind attitude. One had been faithfully praying for a person with deep needs—a compassionate attitude.

Our attitudes will change in healthy ways as we saturate our minds with the truth of God’s Word and pray for that truth to be worked out in our lives. This will no doubt result in confession of sin as dark corners of our hearts are exposed to the light of Christ. If we are serious about growing, improved attitudes and thoughts will be noticeable in our lives.

Father,

Thank you for the hope of change! Thank you that as we spend time in your Word and ask for your help, we will see a difference in our attitudes and thoughts. Amen.