Scripture says our attitude will influence the outcome in the decisions we make.  Are you a positive or negative thinker or somewhere in between?  Do you have a problem trusting God, accepting His promises or do you hear an inner voice predicting only bad things are going to happen?  Do we concentrate on what Scripture tells us or do we listen to what Satan is saying, who wants to defeat us?

Do you wonder why you have gone through life continually having problems?  We know that a poor self-image creates a defeatist attitude and self-fulfilling prophecy can result.    Do you see yourself as a winner, a loser or just unworthy?

Life is full of hindrances.  Many of our problems may result from the temperament we were born with.  A perfectionist may not try something unless they can do it perfectly.  Often they find it difficult to make decisions because they never want to be wrong.  Other temperaments have weaknesses as well as strengths.

How important is your attitude?  Our attitude can be our most important role in determining our future.  How do we respond to any given situation, particularly a serious problem?  We have many attitudes toward many things.  We can have a favorable attitude toward blue and a negative attitude toward gray.  We also have an attitude or philosophy toward life.  You may dwell on the unpleasant things or see things through rose colored glasses.  The world is not perfect and life presents many hindrances.  You may be faced with a divorce, loss of job, a financial disaster or health problems.  Different people may handle each in various ways.  As bad as the situation may be, worry will drain one’s energy and possibly cause unhealthy conditions.

The more we study the Bible and become more spiritual and Christ-like the greater is our motivation, we are more energized, enthused and it usually raises our productivity.  We have a greater commitment to following the teachings of Christ.  We become more trusting and obedient to the commandments of God.  As our attitudes changes we learn to love rather than hate, to forgive rather than be unforgiving.  As our spiritual condition gradually changes our perspectives on life should change.  We can overcome the hindrances of being critical, jealous, greedy, prideful, unbelief, and lustful.

Stress can kill!  Negative attitudes have a tendency to produce stress.  Our attitude determines what we see in life.  What we think is who we are and what we become.  What are two very important points found in the Bible?  It is having a life filled with peace and joy.  Joy and peace produce healthy bodies.  Lack of joy and peace produce unhealthy bodies.  Having participated in sports and as a coach I found those with normal positive attitudes healed quicker than those who were more negative.  I don’t think most realize the importance of having a positive, Christ-like attitude when it comes to health issues. Christ-like attitudes do not guarantee healthy lives but it improves the possibilities.

Scripture repeatedly emphasizes God wants us to have our needs met.  In fact, He talks about true believers being prosperous and having abundance.  If you don’t expect it, chances are you will not pursue it.  You can’t be positive all of the time.  That would be disillusional.  However, Christians are told they can do all things through Christ who gives them strength.  Whatever Scripture says you can do, believe it and don’t be a doubter.

Remember, attitudes are not something you learn, they are acquired.  Who are you and how do you see yourself?  Do you feel unworthy of being successful or prosperous as too many do?  Have you been told you will never amount to anything?  Do you accept everything you hear?

Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

A person with a positive attitude has a tendency to be a giver.  A person with a negative attitude often is a taker.  How can you be a Christian and not be positive and a giver?  Can you be Christ-like and be negative most of the time?    Only if you imagine Christ being negative and there is no indication of that.

Do negative thoughts come as a result of a lack of trust in God?  Maybe you do not understand God’s unconditional love for you.  Do you see yourself as a child of God?

Proverbs 11:25 – “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”  NLT

Proverbs 13:21 – “Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.” NIV

Proverbs 28:25 – “The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.” NIV