x

Transformed Attitudes

Transformed Attitudes

By: Juliet Constantine

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. (Romans 12:14-16)

Steven J. Cole told the story of a young girl who put self aside and showed kindness. There was a family named Parsons who preached and practiced forgiveness. One day at school some mean third graders put pencil shavings into their daughter’s sandwich. The little girl did not retaliate. Instead, on the following day, without any sign of repentance from these mean classmates, she brought everyone in her class a beautiful, large, hand-decorated cookie which says “Jesus loves you”. Her classmates remembered this act of kindness for the rest of their lives! (Lesson 86 Transformed Attitudes).

The command to “bless and curse not” is so contrary to our nature. To practically obey any and all commands in these verses, one would have to be totally emptied of self and be possessed by a supernatural power beyond our human frailties. It is second nature for us to retaliate, to get even, to exalt ourselves. Yet, these instructions, first seen in Matthew 5:44 and repeated to us here, must be of utmost importance in our relationship to each other and our Father. We cannot enjoy a close relationship with God unless we strive to be at peace with each other. Having transformed lives must be evident not only in what we say but also in what we do.

I believe every parent is unhappy with sibling rivalry. We try to teach right attitudes and behaviors to our kids. We want them to live in harmony with each other – in and outside of the home. Our Heavenly Father is trying to do the same, hence His instructions. He wants us to live in peace and harmony – even in the midst of persecution which also comes from among us. If we can grasp the concept to let God instead of self, to hold our peace and don’t fight back, and turn all vengeance over to our Father, we would do well. With self out of the way, our attitudes will be changed. We can now be truly happy for others in-spite-of; we can genuinely empathize without a word being spoken; and our humility will be evident.

Have you been ostracized, been treated unfairly, ridiculed, or suffered discrimination because of your belief in God and the teachings of the Bible? Don’t fight back. See the devil as the instigator at work through them. Find other ways to defend yourself, if you need to, but do pray for them. Genuinely ask God to change and save your persecutor(s). Whatever you do, whatever circumstances you’re faced with, let self be quiet and let God work through you to bless others.

Our Father and our God, You are Father of all. Thanks for the reminder that we are to live in peace and harmony with each other to enjoy fully harmony with You. As our lives are being transformed, please change our attitudes too and make our lives as blessing to others we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)

Back To Alone With God Devotionals

Suggested Video

Job: The End

What can we learn from the end of the story of Job? Does Job have a happy ending, or is he still awaiting his happy ending? What can this book teach us about human suffering for those who love God? Does God bless us in the here and now? What are the rewards of trusting God? Who can we depend on when family, friends, and acquaintances turn their backs on us? Is death truly the end of life’s story? How can the second coming of Jesus impact how we relate to hardship and difficulties in our lives? Did Job understand the doctrine of the resurrection?

 

 

 

To Remember Or Forget God
This video is from the Class D, 2007-2010, Inspirited Network broadcasts on stickam with Joseph Williams and John Spellman covering topics related to Salvation and Christian Living. Videos are in standard definition since the broadcasts were done before the studio was built.
Matthew: Peter and the Rock

What was the relationship between Peter, Jesus, and the church? How should we understand Jesus' words that upon the rock would he build his church? Who was this rock? Protestants and Catholics have long debated this passage but what secrets do the Greek manuscripts hold that make the matter more clear? In this study John Spellman goes into depth explaining the passage Matthew 16:18 in a way you may never have heard before. Why does it matter who Jesus is to us? Why is it important that we see Him as the rock?

suggested audio

Final Events: The Bible (Part 1)

Pastor Calhoun Jr. Tele-Class C. Discusses final events of Bible prophecy.

The Law and Grace

Joseph Williams and John Spellman present: The Law and Grace. What is the relationship between the law, grace, and the Christian?

Connecting To Jesus

Joseph Williams and John Spellman present: Connecting to Jesus.

Lost Day Of History

The Bible teaches about a day lost in history. A day God designed for us to remember. This week's lesson uncovers the mystery of this forgotten and lost day.

Suggested Reading

Love Found A Way
The love of God never ceases to amaze me! His love is so stubborn and relentless. His love knows no measure. His love found a way to reconcile mankind to Himself! He turned away His own wrath by sacrificing His own Son, Jesus!! Isn’t that amazing? And what’s even more amazing is that Jesus Himself loves us just as much, and is ready and willing to forgive us of our sins. Jesus did not delegate this responsibility to humans – the responsibility to forgive sins. He is our High Priest. He encouraged us not to sin but just in case we did, He was our advocate with Father God. We are only required to confess our faults to each other!
Leave Mary Alone
At Jesus’ going away supper, while others dined and conversed with Him, Mary, out of sheer gratitude, felt a compulsion to anoint Jesus. So she anointed His feet using a very expensive ointment, and her hair was the towel. It was nothing strange to anoint dead bodies, but it was a strange sight to behold the anointment of a living person. Some thought it was a sexual advancement and were very critical of her, others thought that she broke protocol and was being disrespectful. It would seem that no one, except Jesus, was grateful for what she did.
Hosanna
It’s seems like we are created to confront, complain, and murmur. Instead of praising Him in the good times and the bad, we praise only in good times and complain in the bad times. We play when things are good and pray when times are hard. We limit ourselves by looking only ‘as far as the eye can see’. If we allow ourselves to see farther, I know our responses would’ve been different. Short sighted vision will rob us of continual praise, and constant shouts of Hosanna.