Philippians 2:5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Finding our purpose is only 50% of our success story. Your attitude not your aptitude that will determine your altitude – Zig Ziglar. Many talented people have failed to reach their destiny because of their bad attitude. The crack of ‘bad attitude’ will leak the anointing of the Lord from an honourable vessel. It is our attitude and behaviour patterns that will form our character. Jesus, the greatest leader this world has ever had, was a “Servant King”. He led by example. The night before He surrendered His life to be crucified on the cross, He washed the feet of His disciples. After Jesus washed the dirty feet of all the twelve disciplines including the one who betrayed Him, He said, “Do you understand what I have done for you?”. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:12,14 & 15). An attitude of humility, simplicity and purity is the soil in which our aptitude will grow, flourish and become fruitful. If we pass our responses and reactions through the “attitude test” in any given situation, we will be able to determine the altitude of our growth. Jesus did not allow people to affect His attitude and hence was able to reach His divine destiny and fulfil His purpose.
Three wisdom nuggets from the life of Jesus:
1. Sycophancy: No one could fool Jesus with flattery. When the rich ruler called Jesus, “good teacher”, Jesus refused to be flattered by his appraisal. Luke 18:19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good–except God alone. Never get head over heels when people praise you. The same crowd that praised Jesus cried “crucify Him” after seven day. The opinions, comments and commends of people are like the drifting wind. Most times, those who praised us will pick up stones to persecute us. When people throw stones, don’t throw them back or allow them to break you – collect the stones and continue to build your life. Simplicity is the pathway to purpose.
2. Sarcasm: The criticism, sarcasm and cynicism of the Pharisees did not affect Jesus. He shrugged away the dirt of envy and continued on His journey to accomplish the purpose of salvation, redemption and restoration of humanity. Haters and dogs both bark – the best answer to haters and fools is silence. Silence sarcasm with your silence and pursue your purpose.
3. Scorn: The Pharisees tried their best to tarnish the name of Christ but the more they slandered Christ, the dirtier they became. When people insult, mock or defame us illicitly, we become purer, cleaner and brighter and they become darker, dimmer and dirtier! “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11 – 12a). Rejoice that God has found you and me worthy to bear the scars of Christ by the slander of the unrighteous. Don’t lose your sleep, joy or peace over the mockers – just praise and raise. Those who live righteously and pursue their destiny decisively will shrug away scorn quickly.
A bad attitude is like a flat tire. If you don’t change, you’ll never go anywhere. Ability is our God given capability, motivation is our self-disciplined determination but attitude is character. Put on servanthood, humility and piety and fulfil your purpose.
Colossians 3:2 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, You must increase and I must decrease. Help me to overcome wrong, negative and pessimistic attitude and put on Christ . Amen
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