Over the past several months, we’ve been dealing with the topic of attitude change. God has designed us to cultivate certain types of attitudes in our daily living. Foundationally, this is described in Philippians 4: 8,
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
An attitude is the way a person views something or tends to behave toward it. In every situation, we have a choice. We can focus on the productive things described above; or we can focus on brokenness, discouragement, chaos and other negative aspects of the same event. Characteristically, we tend to develop a filter or habit of what will look for in every situation.
Our foundational Scripture for this series was found in the book of Numbers chapters 11 through 14. In this passage, we watch the people of Israel developed a murmuring attitude toward God. This results in them being stuck in the wilderness for the rest of their lives. We also note in this example, how it was God’s intention for them to live the Promised Land. Ultimately, the murmuring kept them from experiencing the abundant life that God was offering.
Today, God’s people are faced with the same challenge. In every situation, we can develop a murmuring attitude or a praising attitude toward God. Attitude in our life is vital, it can be the difference between living in a spiritual Wilderness or Promised Land.
In James McDonald’s book, “Lord, Change My Attitude”, he describes in detail the biblical example of the people of Israel and the difference between the two types of attitudes listed above. We highly recommend this resource to support you in developing a Promise Land Attitude.
Wilderness Attitude ↔ Promise Land Attitude
Complaining Thankfulness
Coveting Contentment
Criticism Love
Doubting Faith
Rebellion Submission
At Christian Counseling Associates, we know that attitude plays a role in the emotional challenges that our clients face. Whether it be a clinical depression, a severe form of anxiety, chronic marital strife, or any other issue, a “Promised Land” attitude can contribute to the healing process. We must identify wrong attitudes, and replace them with the attitudes God designed us to have. This is part of our healing journey.
Whatever the issue that you are loved one faces, let us affirm that the change from a “Wilderness Attitude” to “Promise Land Attitude” cannot happen under our own power. We cannot “pull ourselves up by our bootstraps” and will this kind of attitude change into existence. This kind of attitude transformation can only be accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit living and guiding our lives.
The first step in this process is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you have not taken this step, please do so today. The next step is learning how to follow Jesus. This happens when we are living the life of a disciple. This step occurs with the involvement and support of a Bible believing church.
If you struggle with any of these steps above or need help in overcoming an attitude that has you stuck in a spiritual wilderness, call us at 724-396-1510. Our counselors consider it a great opportunity to come alongside you in a Spirit-led process of healing and change. Also, let me thank you for reading our series on attitude. I hope you were blessed by this information.
Our next series will focus on marital enrichment. For the next several months, please watch for our articles in this series. Whether you have a great marriage, or a marriage in crisis (or anything in-between), this series will help you experience more joy and fulfillment in your marriage and family!