How Is Your Attitude?

By Carol D. Bailey

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     Would you like to see the cause of Jesus advance more rapidly? To have greater influence among people? To be able to talk to individuals you have never been able to reach? We cannot excuse ourselves by saying, "I did all I could. I proved to them they were in the wrong. They simply won't listen, so I'm not responsible." Are we so deceived by our own thinking as to feel that proving a thing washes our hands of the matter? Look at the results accomplished in the early era. Was it because Jesus could and did prove what he said that multitudes were convinced? Can we assume that spiritual gifts gave Paul, Peter, Philip and Timothy their influence? Are we so foolish as to think this was a time when mere novelty in doctrine caused such progress? We seek an excuse for shortcoming and come up with an inwardly satisfying answer. This truth applies to writer and reader of these words alike. Let me explain what I mean with all humility and love. I do not intend to imply that all have the wrong attitude, but wish us all to consider the importance of the right one.

     The backbone of Jesus' teaching was the proper spirit in the hearts of men. The people were amazed because He spoke so much on the subject. Even under the law of works, attitude played an important role, but Jesus seemed to count it important before works. (See Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7). Peter's address on Pentecost, Stephen's speech, and Paul's defence before Agrippa were all directed to the "want to's" of their listeners. Even Paul's letters to Timothy were profound masterpieces directed to the approach this son in the faith" was to use. Consideration of this will improve our approach.

     Here are four things to consider relative to our attitudes.

1. Show Sincere Interest in Other People

     All of us like to have others take an interest in us and our problems. One of the best ways of reaching for another's heart is to take advantage of this trait.

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A man in the fuel oil business located in an eastern city was perplexed because a large chain store purchased its oil from a neighboring town. All of his efforts with this manager were to no avail. Finally in disgust he gave up and grew to dislike the very existence of chain stores. A few weeks later he was participating in a debate in which he had to defend "chain stores." He went directly to the manager of the chain store, and calling him by name, he said, "I know you are a busy man but I have a debate coming up in which I need your help. Would you spare me one minute of your time and explain the advantages of chain stores to the community?" The manager gave him an hour and forty-five and upon his leaving told him to come around in the fall and pick up an order for fuel. Sincere interest works wonders.

2. Smile

     There's nothing so catching as a smile. Don't put it on as when posing for a picture, but smile from the inside out. A smile strengthens all who receive it and impoverishes none who give. It cannot be begged, bought, borrowed, or stolen, and is no earthly good to anyone until it is given away. You meet lots of people who do not smile. Give them one of yours, because no one needs a smile so much as one who has none left to give.

3. Be Quick to Admit Mistakes

     One who feels he cannot afford to admit mistakes seldom does. One who admits his shortcomings readily, must indeed be rich.

4. Show Sincere Appreciation

     It will produce more joy and spread your influence beyond measure. It fosters happiness in the home, good relationships among friends, good will in business, and is a must in dealing with all people. Take time to commend a person on the good he does. Husbands can show more appreciation for what their wives do. Be frequent in your words of kindness and lavish in your praise. Show your thoughts. Tell her often of your love. Take home flowers when there is no special occasion for it. You'll be a happier person. This works in all dealings with mankind. As you show appreciation for others, they begin to appreciate the teachings of Jesus you speak. These things are never to be used to "butter up" a person or to compromise with error. They must always be used honestly and sincerely!

     Cultivate a better attitude. Study the word of God for more than what is legally right or wrong. Notice in every case in the word of truth the diplomacy of the speaker. I solicit your prayers that what I have spoken may have been in love, and if it does not help, it will not hinder your efforts. It is conceivable that proper display of the proper attitude precedes proper logic. Surely the servant of God wants to be effective.