Attitude is a choice

On a recent trip away, I was struck by the attitude of J when we were playing with a new toy golf set.  After a few failed efforts she emphatically plonked herself down and exclaimed " I can't do this!  It's too hard.  It's just not my thing Mummy."  I was taken aback by her quick defeatist attitude and annoyed at her lack of effort before just giving up.  Where had she learned that attitude?  Didn't she expect that it would take some practice before she could get the golf ball into the hole?  Did she think she would be able to do it immediately?

From my perspective as the parent I could easily see that practice will help her achieve the goal of putting the golf ball into the hole.  But from a 4 year old's perspective the task seemed too difficult initially so it was easier to give up and believe that "it wasn't her thing".  I explained to J that if she choose to have the attitude of "I can't do it" then she will believe that she wouldn't be able to do it and so won't put in any effort to persevere.  But if she choose the attitude of "I can do it!" then she is more likely to believe that she is able to do it and would be more willing to practice and work hard at the task. After teaching her that our attitudes are made from the choices we make, I then got J to say aloud in a big voice "I can do this!" and coaxed her to have another go at putting the golf ball in the hole.  She failed but repeated the phrase "I can do it!" and she managed to get he ball into the hole.  She kept on repeating this phrase aloud and then hitting the ball, sometimes she succeed and sometimes she didn't but she did overcome her bad attitude. 

How easily it is for us to have a bad attitude about our spiritual life. Do any of the following phrases sound familiar?   I can't pray!  It's too hard.  I just fall asleep.  Or bible study - yuck, I hated studying at school, it's just not my thing.  Mission work - who has the time, that's what I tithe for!   Or my all time favourite (used extensively by myself) I just haven't had the time to read my bible today I've been so busy and now I'm just too tired, I'll catch up tomorrow.  Bad attitudes and complacency are the result of choices  we have made.  Yes. I agree, praying can be awkward and challenging especially when you feel there is no answers to your prayers, but we are supposed to practice prayer and to pray often.  The Apostle Paul tells the Colossians to "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful " (Col 4:2).  He also says to the Thessalonians "pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus "(1 Thess 5:17).  We are called to persevere in faith when life gets hard and we are promised  the reward is the maturity of our faith (James 1:3-4).  We are told plainly that every effort should be made to add to our faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.  If we have these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive as disciples of Christ (2 Pet 1: 5-8).

As Christians we are saved through faith in Christ alone but he has also made us co-workers in his kingdom (1 Cor 3:9).  We are called to use the gifts he has freely given us for the work God has called us to do for him(1 Pet 4:10).  God doesn't say it is easy but he does say it is worth every blood, sweat and tear.

So are you making choices like J that are leading you down a path of bad attitudes which are hindering your relationship with God and spiritual growth?  If so, why are you making those choices?  Are you tired, overwhelmed and exhausted like so many mothers.  Are you being stubborn, wanting to do your own thing rather than submitting your heart, hopes and desires to God's and then being willing to do as he asks?  Perhaps it means reorganising your mornings so they are less stressful and allows you a moment to read your bible.  Or maybe is means approaching prayer with a friend to help you stay focused and accountable.  Take some  time to think about the choices you are making and how they are effecting your approach to God and then make some changes.

Come on and share some of your attitudes, choices and changes you'd like to make.

Out of routine

Hi Everyone,

I don't know how this will go as I've never "blogged" before but I hope our sharing here will keep us encouraged spiritually over the holiday break.

It's been quite busy for me since we broke up from CFBS for 2010.  And what a year we had!  God certainly tested me at various points and had some very timely lessons to teach me.  As hard as God's pruning is on my life the benefits far out weigh any immediate or temporary pain.  Praise God!   Although I do remember some tantrums I had during this process - not very mature of me.  However, I'm excited about 2011 and believe God has good things planned.

Since finishing up CFBS this year I've had a lovely holiday , have done multiple Christmas pressie shopping trips, tried to do washing on the odd day that wasn't raining, had Emily's 2nd birthday accompanied by Paul's family, Paul has been back at working interviewing for a new English teacher.  The list goes on.  I have not had the usual commitments and so I've had the freedom to do things more at my leisure and to juggle errands with Paul.  Yet I have found myself struggling to have time to pray, read scripture and bible study.  Without my well oiled routine  that I've taken all year to cultivate, my spiritual life seems to have fallen off the wagon.  When reflecting over why this is the case I realised how dependent I am on Christian props and my general routine and I am confronted to look at my true relationship with God when everything is stripped away.  Who am I when no one is looking?  Am I like the white washed tombs that Jesus accused the Pharisee's of being - apparent holiness on the outside but completely sinful on the inside.  Is my life one that is full of integrity before God - integrity of worship and submission of all my self to God?  To answer in truthfulness,no, it's not.  I feel God wanting me to live a more consistent life of faith - contentment and faith focused and resting in Christ independently of circumstances.  And also to up the ante and not to allow complacency to rule my heart.

The Apostle Paul says " for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength. " (Philippians 4 :11-13).  Thank goodness Paul said that contentment was something he learned as this gives me hope as I can learn it too.

So, I commit to memorising this bit of scripture and will pray for it in my life.

Let me know what you think.  Is routine or no routine significant for you?  What is God talking to you about?  What has 2010 been about for you?