I have come to understand that one of the greatest lessons I have learnt in life, sometimes painfully so, is that it is my attitude that determines my life. It is not the circumstances I face in life, for I cannot choose my circumstances, but I can choose my attitude to my circumstances.

Interestingly, I have found that the Bible is not just a book about people, but it is a book about people with attitudes, and it was their attitude to their circumstances that determined their lives, for good or for bad.

And there are occasions where it may not be our own attitudes that will determine our destiny, but it can be the attitudes of others close to us that can have consequences that impact all of us.

In Numbers chapter 13, we read of 12 men that Moses sent as spies into the land of Canaan. Ten returned with a negative report while two, Joshua and Caleb, returned with a positive report. The ten with the negative report were influenced by their attitude to strong giants that lived in fortified cities. They possessed an attitude of fear and defeat which caused them to conclude, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” Numbers 14:31

Joshua and Caleb, who saw the same land had a different perspective that led to a different attitude. They said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” Numbers 13:30, 14:9

The impact of the negative words of those 10 men motivated by an attitude of fear prevented the nation of Israel from going into the land that God had promise them and a destiny was lost.

This is an example of how a negative attitude of a few can keep others from realising the promises and destiny of God. And it can still happen today. Having the right attitude in our lives requires us to have the right perspective, which requires us to focus on God and not on the difficulties we might encounter along the way. To do otherwise can cause us to surrender to our circumstances and the resultant attitudes that come to us through:-

• Other people who like the 10 spies can discourage or intimidate us.
• Lack of resources that can prevent us from taking faith steps at critical points.
• Our low self-image that can cause us to listen to an inner voice that tells us that we are not good enough for the task at hand.
• Fears that can control and immobilise us and prevent us from living out the plans that God has purposed for us.
• Our past personal failures that can cause us to question our own abilities and competencies.

Nehemiah’s calling to lead his people to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem is an example of a battle of attitudes that took place at strategic times. When the rebuilding of the wall reached half its height, it was reported, “The strength of the labourers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall. Also our enemies said, ‘Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.’” Nehemiah 4:10-11

Nehemiah’s response was one that addressed the real cause of their discouragement. It was an attitude problem. Nehemiah addressed this problem with his encouraging response that restored the attitudes of his people; “After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.’” Nehemiah 4:14-15

The presenting problem of the Israelites was one of tiredness, which gave way to attitudes of fear and discouragement and it was these attitudes that Nehemiah addressed with encouraging results. This time the attitude of one leader had a profound impact on the destiny of a nation.

I am reminded of a season in Sue’s and my life when we were holding on by a thread. Our daughter was spending months in hospital, far from well, and we were making the round trip to the hospital twice a day in the midst of pastoring a church. On one occasion, a doctor in the hospital called me and Sue into his office and asked us an unusual question; “Rod and Sue, how come you are still together? For I have found in circumstances like yours, that the parents end up separating from one another.”
Our response was similar to that of Paul’s who was in jail and ready to die; “I have learned the secret of living in every situation, for I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13
In other words, it was our attitude of faith in God’s promises that opened the door to the resources of God and sustained us in our difficult circumstances. We could not choose our circumstances, but we could choose our attitude to our circumstances.

The Bible is the best book I have read that has connected me to ordinary people who became extraordinary people because they possessed an attitude that allowed them to have God’s perspective on the world in which they lived.

1. Peter spoke of rejoicing in times of suffering grief. “In all of this you greatly rejoice now though for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7
2. James spoke of rejoicing in times of trials, “Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2
3. Paul reminds us that times of adversity will never leave us the same; they will either make us better or bitter and it is usually our attitude to our circumstances that will determine our choice. He wrote to the Romans, “We also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.” Romans 5:3-4
4. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is the most joyful book in the Bible. Although he was in jail waiting to die, he mentioned the word ‘joy’ 16 times. This letter is a great example of the statement that it is our attitude that determines our life not our circumstances.

In fact, Paul had the perspective and ensuing attitude that could see God’s purposes being advanced even through his time of suffering in jail in a number of ways.

• His imprisonment served to advance the gospel amongst the palace guards.

          “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually               served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace               guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” Philippians 1:12-13

• His imprisonment served to encourage other Christians to overcome their fear and share the gospel. “And because of my chains most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Philippians 1:14
• His imprisonment served to advance the gospel even if it was being preached out of selfish ambition. He even could say that his imprisonment was appointed by God. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defence of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Philippians 1:15-18
• He could go as far to say that even if his time in jail resulted in him losing his life, he would be better by far because he knew he would go to be with his Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know. I am torn between the two.” Philippians 1:20-23

“Paul could have become depressed, discouraged, or disillusioned. He could have wallowed in self-pity or despair. Instead, he regarded his imprisonment as being appointed by God. In fact, God had used Paul’s imprisonment in Rome to bring the gospel to the centre of the empire, as well as to give Paul time to write letters that would one day end up in the New Testament and give us much teaching and encouragement. Do you have difficulty accepting your place in life? Do you resent where God has placed you? Although education and focused effort may enable us to take a new role or get a new job, often God puts us in a place to serve. Whether it is an actual prison or a place that feels like one, God wants you to serve Him faithfully and joyfully.”  NIV LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE Philippians 1:16

Paul could say to the Christians in Rome, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes.” Romans 8:28

Doctor Victor Frankl, a German Jew, was imprisoned during the second world war. On one occasion he was stripped naked in front of the gestapo. Lastly as a final insult, he had his wedding ring removed. Finally, Victor Frankl spoke out, “There is one thing no man can take from me; my freedom to choose how I will react to what you do to me.”

In his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, he wrote, “We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances to choose one’s own way. And there were always choices to make. Even though conditions such as lack of sleep, insufficient food and various mental stresses may suggest that the inmates were bound to react in certain ways. In the final analysis it became clear that the sort of person the prisoner became was the result of an inner decision, and not the result of camp influences alone. Fundamentally, therefore, any man can, even under such circumstances, decide what shall become of him – mentally and spiritually.”

The inventor of the Ford Motor car, Henry Ford, made an interesting observation from his life’s experiences. He once said, “If you think you can, you’re right. If you think you can’t, you’re right again. Success comes in cans, failures come in can’ts.”

Our attitude, not our circumstances, determines our lives. Our attitude quotient (AQ) is more important than our intelligence quotient (IQ)
STEPS TO DEVELOPING A GREAT ATTITUDE

“…….be made new in the ATTITUDE of your minds…….”  Ephesians 4:23

1. THE FOUNDATION OF GOD’S WORD
   There came a time where I realised that the foundation upon which I develop a Godly attitude is that of taking a faith step and trusting God and His word in every experience of life. Whenever my attitude is being tested by the circumstances I am experiencing, I find myself focusing on God’s word in Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (circumstances), in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.”

These words form the foundations of my prayers in the difficult circumstances of my life. It stirs me to live by faith in God and His word and not to expect that I can live a life free from difficult circumstances in this second-choice world.
The more we know of the word of God, the more opportunity we have of building our attitudes to life on an unshakeable foundation in every situation in which we find ourselves.
A helpful example from the life of Paul is found when he was given a ‘thorn in the flesh’, a debilitating ailment. Paul’s attitude remained unshakeable, and he could say, “Therefore, in order to keep me from being conceited, I was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why for Christ’s sake, I DELIGHT IN WEAKNESSES, IN HARDSHIPS, IN PERSECUTIONS, IN DIFFICULTIES. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Paul learned through painful experiences that his attitude of trusting God was far more important than depending on his own resources. With an attitude of trust in God and His word I find myself at critical times speaking to God in prayer and holding on to His words of trust. The following are some of His words I focus on:-

• “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12
• “Jesus Christ in the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
• The following worship song is based on God’s word:
  “Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness
  My God, that is who You are….” “Way Maker” by Sinach 2015
• “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who trust Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
• “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

• “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, They will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
• “and my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

More than anything it is our attitude that determines the kind of life we are going to live, and it is our trust in God and His word that makes it possible.

2. THE MODEL OF THE LIFE OF JESUS

There is no greater example of a person who lived a model life for us to follow than that of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul wrote to the Philippians,
“You must have the SAME ATTITUDE that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.”  Philippians 2:5-7

To the Ephesians Paul wrote, “Live a life filled with love, FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5:2
On the theme of suffering Peter wrote, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your EXAMPLE, and you must follow in His steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” 1 Peter 2:21-23
References to the attitudes of Jesus that serve as a model for us to follow overflow throughout the New Testament. If you haven’t already done so, make it your goal to be on the alert for these references and allow them to transform you by the renewing of your mind.

The life of Jesus is the greatest example of a person who could say that it is our attitude that determines our life and not our circumstances.

3. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

It is the Holy Spirit living within us that gives us the power to live above the challenges we face in our lives as Christians. Jesus told His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came on them (Acts 1:8) and it is the fruit of the Spirit in our lives that gives us the power to have the same attitude to life that Jesus Christ had.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galations 5:22-23
Paul therefore could tell the Romans that “because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us,”
we can “glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.” Romans 5:3-5

How wonderful it is to know that God has made it possible for us to be made new in the attitude of our minds when we become Christians. We have everything we need to make it possible even though we cannot choose our circumstances, we can choose our attitude to our circumstances. To make it possible, we have the FOUNDATION OF GOD’S WORD, THE MODEL OF THE LIFE OF JESUS and THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. But there is one more step that can help us develop a great attitude.

4. THE COMPANY WE CHOOSE
   The Bible warns us that the company we keep can influence our character.
   “Do not be misled. Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
   “Choose your friends wisely.” Proverbs 13:20
   “As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens their friends.” Proverbs 27:17

John Maxwell explained how we can become like the people with whom we spend our time. “Show me your friends and I will show you your future. Who you surround yourself with is so important. Take the five most influential people in your life and you will become like them. So, you better choose well. I had some wonderful friends in college and one day I realised that they were not going anywhere. They didn’t have a passion to make a difference. I discovered that average people want you to stay average. Because they are not going anywhere, they don’t want you to go anywhere either. It takes a lot of courage to stop and say, ‘It’s not where I’m going. My journey is different.’”

Throughout my life I have made it a priority to go out of my way to find outstanding people of character and vision with whom I could spend quality time. I realised that I needed to carefully choose my friends by finding people who would add value to my life and help me to grow in Christlikeness. Why? Because it is my attitude that determines my life.

As Victor Frankyl said, “Everything can be taken from a person but one thing; the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. In the final analysis it became clear that the sort of person the prisoner became was the result of an inner decision, and not the result of camp influences alone. Fundamentally, therefore, any person can, even under such circumstances, decide what shall become of them – mentally and spiritually.”

It is true, that your attitude determines your life and not your circumstances. You may not be able to choose your circumstances, but you can choose your attitude to your circumstances.
“You were taught…..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