Sunday, May 22, 2011

Bad Attitudes To Avoid

by Rev. James Wong

Attitude is our mental state involving our beliefs, feelings and views about certain things. Our attitude, not talent, intelligence, education, opportunities, or even hard work, determines our happiness and progress of success in life. William James, the American psychologist and philosopher said: “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” Here are five common bad attitudes to avoid.

1. Pride. “A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV). Pride can get us down faster than anything else. None of us like to get along with a person with a big ego. Even “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6 (NIV). Let not our learning, experiences or position make us proud in anyway. Jesus had no pride. He washed the feet of the disciples (John 13:5).

2. Anger. Uncontrolled anger is a symptom of a deeper problem which may be related to the person’s victimization from childhood, adult abuse, a personality disorder, a hormone imbalance, an unhealthy relationship and etc. “An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” Proverbs 29:22 (NIV). A person who is hot tempered is a conflict producer. He will stir up strife in every relationship. "Don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT).

3. Anxiety. Anxiety is a stress booster. You will never be happy if you allow anxiety to dominate your mind. “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 (NKJV). How to overcome this negative emotion of anxiety? “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV).

4. Fear. Fear does not come from God because “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Tim 1:7 (NLT). Fear is a joy and faith killer and it promotes doubts and anxieties. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” 1 John 4:18 (NIV). Let no fear take root in your mind by trusting in God’s unconditional love for you, that he has a good plan for your life to prosper you.

5. Broken heart. Everyone gets hurt and wounded in one way or another. Nursing our broken heart and wounds will chain us to our pain and prolong the suffering. We must allow God to bring us healing. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3 (NIV). May we break free from a broken heart and move forward by trusting in God’s perfect plan for us.

The word of God is an “anti-virus program” against bad attitudes of living.

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