A positive attitude is essential for true Christian Living

Inspirational speaker Jim Rohn reminds us that the process of human change begins within us. “We all have tremendous potential. We all want good results from our efforts.

“Most of us are willing to work hard and to pay the price that success and happiness demand.

“Each of us can put our unique human potential into action and to find a desired result. But the one thing that determines the level of our potential, that produces the intensity of our activity, and that predicts the quality of the result we receive is our attitude.

“Attitude decides the size of our dreams and influences our determination when we are faced with new challenges. No other person on earth has dominion over our attitude.

“People can affect our attitude by teaching us poor thinking habits or unintentionally misinforming us or providing us with negative sources of influence, but no one can control our attitude unless we voluntarily surrender that control.

“No one else ‘makes us angry.’ We make ourselves angry when we surrender control of our attitude. What someone else may have done is irrelevant. We choose, not they. They merely put our attitude to a test.

“If we select a volatile attitude by becoming hostile, angry, jealous or suspicious, then we have failed the test. If we condemn ourselves by believing that we are unworthy, then again, we have failed the test.

“We must accept full responsibility for our own feelings. We must learn to guard against those feelings that have the capacity to lead our attitude down the wrong path and to strengthen those feelings that can lead us confidently into a better future.”

Rohn goes on to tell us, “We must exercise the most important choice given to us as members of the human race by maintaining total dominion over our attitude. Our attitude is an asset, a treasure of great value, which we must protect accordingly.

“The combination of a sound personal philosophy and a positive attitude about ourselves and the world around us gives us an inner strength and a firm resolve that influences all the other areas of our existence.”

The following are seven positive “up’s” that can help shape our attitudes:

1. Wake Up! Decide to have a good day. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalms 118:24)

2. Dress Up! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)

3. Shut Up! Say pleasant things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we could do twice as much listening as talking. “Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives.” (Proverbs 13:3)

4. Stand Up!. For what you believe in. Don’t worry about what other people may think. “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

5. Look Up!. To the Lord. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)

6 Reach Up!. For a better life. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6)

7. Lift Up! Your Prayers. “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil 4:6)