An attitude of gratitude makes life better. For others and for you too. I discovered this from a church mission trip, fixing up homes in Kentucky Appalachia. In an area with one of the highest levels of poverty in the country. And the experience reminded me how well I have it.
Here’s how you can discover an attitude of gratitude too.
Serve Others For An Attitude Of Gratitude
Gratitude begins with a mindset that gets out of yourself. Looks at the plight of others and asks the question: what can I do to help? To make a difference?
It moves beyond fault finding and blame shaming. Rises off the couch of social justice arm chair quarterbacking and gets in the game. Becomes a problem-solver rather than a problem identifier. Moves from talk to walk.
Serving others broadens your perspective. No, your problems may not go away. But it prevents them from dominating your life. And adds significance as you lift up others.
Learn Contentment For An Attitude of Gratitude
We live in a culture that promotes accumulation and comfort. And the answer to the question, how much is enough? Is always a little more than what we have now.
Because contentment is like a fishing lure of enticement…always trolling just out of reach.
But scripture reveals the secret to contentment. It is from God and is LEARNED.
It’s not an unexpected epiphany. A warm fuzzy someone gives you. A level of enlightenment achieved somewhere on the quest for more stuff. You learn it on the journey of discipleship. As you seek first the Kingdom of God while navigating times of scarcity and plenty. And you realize God provides for you in both of them.
Compare Down For An Attitude Of Gratitude
We naturally compare ourselves to other people. And usually compare up.
I was doing exactly that one day as I drove through my neighborhood. Comparing as I looked at all the nice cars in driveways. An SUV here. BMW there. Mercedes around the corner. Wait. Dude. You should move further up town!
My 15-year old, compact car with 175,000 miles was an eyesore. At least in my view. Rust spots appearing on the doors and fenders. Dimpled like a golf ball after driving it in a hail storm. Although it otherwise ran great.
Then as I left the neighborhood and pulled onto a main road, I passed a bus stop where a group of people waited for their ride. And I felt a spiritual nudge and a gentle voice say, “those people don’t have a car.”
It switched the direction of my comparison. And provided a lesson I will never forget. There is always someone who has it better than you. And someone who has it worse.
So take a pause the next time you start a comparison pity party. And compare down. Your inventory of blessings will change your attitude into gratitude.
Thank God For His Blessings For An Attitude Of Gratitude
Don’t wait for a comparison pity party wake-up call. Regularly and intentionally reflect on your blessings. Do you have a place to live? Food to eat? An income? Generally in good health? Surrounded by loved ones?
Chances are you can say “yes” to at least some of these. And you know people with much less. The point is, there are always things you can appreciate. So take the time to appreciate them. Stop looking at the glass half-empty and start seeing the one half-full.
And thank God for his blessings. Because God is the source of all that is good. And his best gift is eternal life through Jesus Christ. When you’ve received that gift, there is no comparison.
Jesus and the adulterous woman. The well known Bible about Jesus and the adulterous woman has lessons for us today. It describes an encounter between Jesus and Jewish religious leaders who demanded his judgement over a women caught in adultery. And the surprise reponse that left them speechless.
Jesus and the adulterous woman. Demonstrates that God lets you write a new story.
During this time period, adultery was a sin with a penalty of death by stoning. And the religious leaders presented to Jesus an offender caught in the act. An open and shut case. All Jesus had to do was pronounce judgement to end the story.
Because God wrote a new story with Jesus as the central character. He understands we sin. Has compassion for us. And the new story is the gospel. The good news that Jesus is the Son of God who sacrificed his life for our sin.
And because of his story, the woman could change her story.
So Jesus put the religious leaders on pause by turning the tables on them. God has a way of doing that too.
Jesus and the adulterous woman. Demonstrates that God’s grace covers all sin.
Of course, the religious leaders weren’t really interested in the woman’s sin. They were challenging Jesus. Out to trip him up. Was he really serious about God’s laws? Prepared to follow through and pronounce judgment? Or would he try to wiggle out of it in the name of love?
Even today, the tug of war between God’s law and God’s grace pulls us back and forth. And Jesus appeared trapped in a no win situation.
But Jesus didn’t get rattled. Act defensive or uptight. Instead, he stooped and wrote in the dirt. We can only speculate what it said. Perhaps, he listed some sins of the accusers. The top 10 count down songs of the day. Maybe he just doodled as he prayed for a wise answer.
And when he stood, he delivered it with a divine, counter punch that challenged the moral purity of the accusers.
Maybe a good test for you and me? Before we jump on the bandwagon of our own virtue and condemn someone else, perhaps we should first consider our own righteousness?
The point is, we all sin. And the sacrifice of Jesus covers it all. There remains, of course, a tug of war between law and grace. Scripture teaches both are important. And the challenge is to avoid leaning too far either way.
Jesus and the adulterous woman. Demonstrates that God calls us to moral purity.
Although Jesus did not condemn the women, he acknowledged her sinful behavior. And challenged her to change her story by saying, “go and sin no more.”
Did she begin a new life or go right back to the old one? We don’t know. But she had the opportunity. We all do.
Ultimately, God will judge. But he prefers to offer grace. Change stories. Provide second chances. That’s what the gospel story is about.
So yes. God understands we are sinners. And has compassion for us. But that doesn’t mean he accepts a sinful lifestyle. Rather, he calls us to strive for moral excellence.
The apostle Paul compares it to a long distance race. That’s what a relationship with Jesus involves. To strive for righteousness as a Christ-follower. Knowing you won’t always succeed. But you press forward anyway. Because the stakes are high. And the rewards eternal.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group?
Understanding agreement and respect begins by realizing they are not the same. Here are three ideas to help you disagree and still respect other people.
Understanding Agreement And Respect Involves Managing Your Different Expectations
My wife Judy and I grew up in wildly divergent homes. I learned to eat pancakes with butter and syrup. She ate them with butter alone. We brought these expectations to our marriage and attempted to influence our children accordingly. Despite our fundamental culinary disagreement, we maintained respect for one another. (OK, at times I may have mocked her nearly naked cakes.)
So there’s a distinction between agreement and respect we all need to recognize and experience.
Understanding Agreement And Respect Relates To The Difference Between Sympathy And Empathy
Understanding agreement and respect relates to the distinction between sympathy and empathy.
When I sympathize with you, there is an implied sense of agreement with your cause or position. In empathy however, I feel with you as a fellow human, but may not agree with your stance.
I sympathize with those who prefer Hawaii to Florida. Although I am not a fan of beaches, somehow the beaches of Hawaii are ones even I enjoy. I empathize with someone whose cat has died. And understand the loss of a pet, since I had a pet dog die.
But I’ve never owned a cat and, if asked, would say I don’t like them. (Please don’t get hung up on that last comment and miss the larger point.)
Understanding Agreement And Respect Means You Can Disagree Agreeably
We need to disagree agreeably. This is essential to peace within families and communities. I should respect you and treat you respectfully even when I don’t agree with your position.
If you insist on agreement and sympathy, then the resulting alienation of others shouldn’t surprise you. Let’s model finding value in all people since none of us agrees with everyone.
About Julian Consulting
Dr. Stephen Julian is President of Julian Consulting, a firm specializing in team health, effective communication, and leadership development. He has worked with leaders and their teams for nearly 30 years in a variety of settings – including Africa, South and Central America.
When you celebrate with others, you create a positive effect. Like tossing a rock into a pond, it creates affirming ripples that benefit everyone.
When You Celebrate With Others You Lift Them Up
I had a conversation one day with the father of two elementary age boys. He enthusiastically described their soccer skills during a recent game where both scored multiple goals.
He talked with fatherly pride. Celebrating their victory and development as budding athletes.
I understood where he was coming from. As parents raising a family, we celebrate when our children succeed. And invest in their lives to help them learn, develop and grow. Because we want to see them live productive, fulfilling lives.
And I celebrated with him. Congratulating him on the win and success of his boys. Like a cheering fan. And affirmed him as a good dad. For taking the time to coach his sons and teach them how to play the game.
It’s what all parents need. To be cheered on. Encouraged. Congratulated. Because parenting is a tough job. And the encouragement lifted him up. His smile broadened. His eyes filled with joy as he cherished the moment. No, he didn’t always get it right. But this time he did. And my participation in the celebration made it even sweeter.
When You Celebrate with Others It Blesses You
Celebrating with others is not always easy. Or come naturally. Because we tend to compare and compete. And feel threatened when another person out succeeds us.
But when you celebrate with others, it’s like an antidote. Because as you lift them up through celebration, it lifts you up too.
And in a day when tearing others down is the norm, there is a desperate need for people who build others up. That understand life is not all about them. Or meant for us to go it alone. But that God designed us to live in community. To support one another. And we are better together rather than apart.
When You Celebrate With Others You Generate A Positive Influence
When you celebrate with others you recognize their worth and value. You affirm their importance as a person made in the image of God.
I was in the check-out line of the grocery store one day. And both the cashier and the bagger were high school age young men. Working jobs I knew easily grew boring and monotonous. Scanning and bagging an assembly line of products for eight hours.
But these two young men were energetic and on task. And worked with speed and efficiency as they checked me out in record time.
I smiled when they finished. Thanked them. And commented how well they worked together as a team. And the positive effect was immediate. They straightened. Grinned at one another with a sense of pride. And checked out the customer behind me even faster.
It was a small celebration with a big impact. And that’s the point. When you celebrate with others you spread positive goodwill. Something most of us will probably agree we can use more of.About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Curious about Christianity?
Christians differ in their doctrines. And this can make Christianity confusing to those outside the faith. It isn’t. This book offers a simple, conversational explanation about its main concepts–the ones that support everything else. It is written in plain, everyday language for those who want a better understanding of its basic belief system.
There is power in praising God. An unfathomable mystery. And the impact on those who praise Him is both misunderstood and underestimated.
The Power In Praising God Connects You To His Presence
Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. –Psalm 105:2,4
God is a person. Not a thing. An it. Or institution. He has emotions. And a unique character. Yes, it’s different than ours. Because He is perfect and holy. Which means he is completely consistent in his person. Because unlike us, his actions and emotions are never arbitrary or capricious. Yet, amazingly, he desires a personal relationship with you and me.
And praise ushers you into his presence.
Where you are humbled by his infinite greatness. Amid an almighty presence of power and love. And your shroud of darkness falls away. So you glimpse God’s glory.
The Power In Praising God Fills You With Awe And Wonder
You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! –Psalm 22:23
Have you ever gazed out at the ocean where blue sky and blue water meet in an indistinguishable line? Tried to count the stars in the night sky? Beheld the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon? In amazement?
Perhaps it gives you pause and a sense of perspective. As you’re suddenly aware of your finite smallness. Hardly able to comprehend, the magnitude of a God that simply speaks it all into existence.
But rather than find yourself overwhelmed by insignificance, you are reminded this very God loves you. Cares about you. And wants you to personally know and walk with him in fellowship.
Praise is your transport. It fills your mind with awe and wonder. As your heart overflows with humility and gratitude. Because you know you’re loved, valued and accepted. And you’re inspired to be better. Do better. And love better.
The Power In Praising God Is Spiritually Renewing
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. –Psalm 107: 8-9
Praising God is not just about him. It also spiritually recharges you. And is what you are designed for. God created you and through praise he recreates you. Because life both wears you down and wears you out. But praise is your renewable, spiritual energy source.
It lets you refocus your thoughts on God and reorient your life on the things of God. Like a reset to original specifications. It keeps you in sync with God’s purpose for your life. Which makes it more meaningful, joyful and fulfilling.
Praise is the path to the ultimate desire for every person…the satisfaction of a longing, hungry soul.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking to promote internal church ministry growth?
My wife, Judy and I spent a weekend in Ohio Amish country. It was a chance to get away and renew. It also meant we spent time in shops looking at an endless array of decorative items, although I’m sure there would be significant disagreement on the appropriate range for the term “decorative.”
I’ll admit it. I nearly cried while browsing a chocolate shop and looking at decorative items the owners hoped I would add to my purchase of edible treats.
There was a plaque that read: “What we take for granted, others are praying for.”
Thoughts About Taking For Granted What Others Pray For
I think the reason the plaque hit me was that Judy and I had the opportunity to take a day off work, stay in a beautiful location, and shop for things we don’t need while eating chocolate that we pretend to need.
I take for granted an endless supply of clean water. Highspeed Internet. The ability to walk through stores. The relationship with a woman who loves me for who I am despite who we both wish I might become. My freedom to pursue and express my faith – although less so today than in the past.
Somewhere in the world, probably not as far away as I might think, someone is praying for each of these things I take for granted. What are you taking for granted and how can you develop a pattern for identifying these items and expressing gratitude for each one?
Recognizing Your Larger World Will Lessen Taking For Granted What Others Pray For
How large is your world? My world is larger than it once was, but far smaller than it could be. Having traveled to Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, I’ve seen people who are praying for what I take for granted.
But closer to home, I often think about the police department I partnered with as a consultant, where I became more aware that there are men and women who get up each day to deal with things I know little about. They protect my innocence by dealing with situations that, to me, are unimaginable.
Do you know people who pray for what you take for granted? If not, you are probably insulated against recognizing what you take for granted. If everyone you know has clean water, highspeed Internet, mobility, reasonably healthy relationships, and freedom of religion, then you may not have been made aware that you are among a tiny percentage of humans who have all of these blessings and more.
Gratefulness Will Lessen Taking For Granted What Others Pray For
I didn’t cry openly in the chocolate store. But I could have if I had allowed myself to think more deeply about people I’ve seen and known who pray for what I take for granted. In a world that emphasizes what we don’t and cannot have, let’s marvel and give thanks for what we do have.
Let’s recognize that we are blessed in ways we did not earn and do not deserve more than any other inhabitant of this planet. Yes, you worked hard, but you have a body and mind that function apart from disability. You earned that degree and that job. But you live in a world where you were able to move beyond survival to study and seek employment. And you made wise choices. But they were easier to make in a stable, relatively healthy environment.
Get to know a person praying for what you take for granted. Share what you take for granted. Don’t despise the person who prays for what you take for granted. “Enlarge your world and love your neighbor.” Seems I’ve heard that somewhere before. It might even make a good plaque for Amish country.
About Julian Consulting
Dr. Stephen Julian is President of Julian Consulting, a firm specializing in team health, effective communication, and leadership development. He has worked with leaders and their teams for nearly 30 years in a variety of settings – including Africa, South and Central America.
Join my list and I'll notify you of new blog posts and send you a monthly newsletter. It features inspirational thoughts, writing tips, and a peek into writing projects. I'll also include my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. It shows you how to punch up presentations with humor and make them more compelling.
