What Should Our Attitude Be, as Christ-Followers?
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“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is 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 4:22-24).
The benefits of having a positive attitude are pretty easy to see - more enjoyment of each day and stronger relationships, just to name two. But Scripture stresses even deeper results of a right mindset.
The Bible tells us over and over that our attitude affects our whole life, from our spiritual health to our worship of and ministry for the Lord. Within its pages, we’ll find God’s perspective and wisdom about how we can be aligned with Him.
What Does the Bible Say about Our Attitude?
God’s Word offers some foundational truths that should encourage us in our pursuit of a righteous mindset.
- God does the real work of changing our attitude.
God doesn’t ask us to change ourselves, but He will give us the desire and strength to become more holy.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
- God gives us a part to play in keeping our attitude right.
Since we have free will, we must choose to pursue a right attitude, and allow God to show us the way.
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so” (Romans 8:5-7).
- God gives us opportunities to bless others through a good attitude.
The world is full of sinfulness. But our Lord calls us to shine His light into the darkness using righteous words and actions.
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-16).
“‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Bible Verses about Attitude
The Old Testament book of Psalms points us to some elements of a good attitude. One of these is placing God above all else.
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2).
King David understood that putting His focus on God kept His thinking right. He let the knowledge he’d gained about the Lord guide his daily walk, and in return, David received God’s favor.
Another step that leads to a right attitude is choosing to give God praise and thanks.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).
David knew first-hand that God was good and faithful. And he spent time each day expressing His gratitude. Over time, this habit led to a sense of confidence in God’s plan and provision for him.
During His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) Jesus mentioned several traits that those who follow God should cultivate. He said that we should strive to not only grow in them, but to display them as part of our overall attitude.
“Poor in spirit” - aware of our need for God
“Mourning” - feeling grief over our sin
“Meek” - being lowly about our status
“Hungering and thirsting for righteousness” - seeking to grow in Christlikeness
“Merciful” - showing compassion to others
“Pure in heart” - staying focused on pleasing God
“Peacemakers” - trying to be reconciled to others and to God
In the New Testament, many verses instruct us on how to both gain and maintain a righteous outlook on life.
1. By admitting we have had wrong attitudes and thoughts
“...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).
2. By asking God to purify us
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
3. By being teachable
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…” (Colossians 1:9-10).
4. By staying on the right path
“...then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:2-5).
What Should Our Attitude Be Towards God?
The Lord has told us that our attitude toward Him should be one of complete trust.
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5).
We are also to have an attitude of worship.
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
God is looking for an attitude of submission within us as well.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:7-10).
Do We Always Have to Be Happy or in a Good Mood?
Life is full of ups and downs, and we can’t help but react to them. We were designed by God to have emotions, and sometimes those feelings aren’t so positive. Bad moods are, for whatever reason, part of being human.
Some Christians think that in order to please God, they should be smiling all the time. If we do that, though, we are putting on an act, and not being honest with ourselves. And, our fake smile might actually end up discouraging someone else who is struggling.
What God really calls us to is a sense of joy, which is very different. Happiness is more fleeting, and relies on circumstances being good, or more plainly put, what we want them to be.
In contrast, joy is meant to reside continually in our spirit. It comes not from outside things going right, but from knowing the Lord and how much we are loved by Him. Joy is meant to keep filling us to overflowing, so that others can receive God’s grace, too.
A Prayer for When You Are Stuck in a Bad Mood
Dear Lord God,
I thank You that I can come to You anytime, especially when I’m struggling. Life can be upsetting, disappointing and hurtful, and I am so glad that I can run to You in those moments.
I confess it’s hard for me to keep a good attitude right now, and that makes me feel separated from You. So, I pray forgiveness for any thoughts that are not pleasing to You. Thank You for giving me that forgiveness, and for bringing me a healing touch.
Heavenly Father, I also ask that I would have a strong sense of Your presence right now, so that the burdens on my mind and mood would be lifted. I can’t change my attitude, but I know that You are more than able.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Every believer can develop a more Godly attitude. And the way to start that journey can be as simple as shifting our focus upwards. The Apostle Paul went through all sorts of trials and hardships, but intentionally pointed his thoughts in the right direction, and remained righteous. We can, too.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
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