“ATTITUDE CHECK”
(Matthew 5:1 – 8:1; Luke 6:17-49)
“Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: ‘Blessed are…’” – Matthew 5:1-3
Have you ever heard anyone say “you need an attitude check!”? The term is used in many situations and circumstances, and it usually infers that a person’s mind set, or the way they are acting, needs to be thought through, and changed for the better.
There are times when we can do things “by the book” so to speak, but fall far short of doing what would be best. There are times when the words of our conversation may be decent, but the manner in which we speak isn’t very good. Remember the phrase “it’s not just what you say but how you say it!”
The passages we read in today’s assignment are Jesus’ own specific words, not to the crowds following Him, but rather to His disciples – His closest followers. He shares deep truths with them about their most intimate actions. This passage has been referred to as the Beatitudes – and they are truly instruction on how our attitude should be!
In each beatitude, we learn essentially that if we want to be blessed, we need to go a step further than just simply what would be acceptable. We need to realize that even when things don’t seem to be going our way, God will be there to comfort us and fulfill our needs.
Simple Truth:
It’s time for an attitude check! Think before you act. Engage your mind before you open your mouth! Do your best to be like Jesus!
Reflections & Application:
- Today is a new day – make a deliberate effort today to make your words and actions to be a blessing to those with whom you come in contact.
- How can you “go the extra mile” today to truly reflect the Spirit of Christ within you?
- Let the words of Psalm 19:14 be a reality in you today – “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am no longer my own, but Yours. Use me for Your glory. Help me to crucify my flesh, and allow Your Spirit to rule and reign in my life. May others see Jesus in everything I do and say. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
READ MORE
March 29 – Reading 88
MARCH 29 - Reading 88by John Christian Pra | March 29“CAN THIS GET ANY WORSE?”(Judges 19:1 – 21:25 & Judges 12:8 – 13:25) “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” – Judges 21:25 The book of Judges ends in a place...
March 28 – Reading 87
MARCH 28 - Reading 87by John Christian Pra | March 28“WHO IS LIKE THE LORD?”(1 Samuel 4:2 - 7:1)“Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?”– 1 Samuel 6:20 One of the greatest dangers in a Christian’s life is becoming too familiar with God. Whenever you find...
March 27 – Reading 86
MARCH 27 - Reading 86by John Christian Pra | March 27“SAVE US! AGAIN!”(Judges 10:6 - 12:7) “And the people of Israel said to the LORD, ‘We have sinned; do to us whatever seems good to you. Only please deliver us this day.’ So they put away the foreign gods from among...