“Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had”—Philippians 2:5 (GW).
As a former high school teacher, I recall students who had a good attitude and those who had bad attitudes. It was often challenging to be nice to the ones with the latter. However, that still, small voice always reminded me I didn’t know what was happening in their lives that might be leading to their bad behavior.
This past month, I’ve been blessed to interview people who are on a mission to help others in our community. As a freelance writer for the local newspaper, I’ve been selecting stories to inform others about the ministries and organizations available to aid those in need.
My spirit has been revived as I listen and take notes during the interviews. Their positive outlook and willingness to make a difference in our community reminds me of Paul’s letter to the Philippians in Chapter 2.
An Attitude of Gratitude
Writing from a prison in Rome, Paul expresses his gratitude for the material support the Philippians have provided for his ministry. In Chapter 2, he encourages them to live out their faith in joy and unity.
But Paul also reminds the Philippians to “look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own. The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had” (Verses 4-5 GNT).
What I saw in common during the interviews I conducted included unity, joy and humble spirits. Doesn’t that sound just like Jesus? He was a unifier and He joyfully carried out His Father’s will in humility.
Carrying Out Our Father’s Will
With so many needs in the world, it’s sometimes difficult to choose where to serve. Led by the Holy Spirit, I’ve committed to two ministries at our church: volunteering at our Amazing Grace Free Clothes Closet once a week and serving on our Flower Power team once a month. Through the latter, we take apart the large flower arrangements placed in the chancel area after Sunday services and create smaller arrangements to take to the homebound. In addition, I also share my writing gift when needed for news releases.
While I’ve been approached to lead or participate in other ministries, if it isn’t what God has called me to do, I prayerfully and humbly decline. Even Jesus had to make choices, including putting time with His Heavenly Father at the beginning of each day.
Christian author Charles Hummel said, “Here is the secret of Jesus’ life and work for God: He prayerfully waited for His Father’s instructions and for the strength to follow them. Jesus had no divinely drawn blueprint; He discerned the Father’s will day by day in a life of prayer.”
Spending Time with Our Abba Father
Life can be overwhelming. It’s easy to become consumed by our problems or the world’s chaos. That’s why I start my day by reading God’s Word and by praying and listening for His guidance. Before I started seeking Him each morning, I said “yes” to each request for my help, instead of praying about it.
By letting the Holy Spirit guide me to the places where I can best serve, I have more peace and joy in my life. However, it’s more than that. I’m no longer focused on myself or my own problems. Helping others has made me more aware of those around me.
In everyday encounters, I’ve become more cognizant of the need to offer a smile of encouragement to strangers, to say, “Have a blessed day,” when I check out at the grocery store, or let someone go ahead of me in line. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that can make a difference and change someone’s attitude, including our own.
Thank you for this shared message! It is one hundred percent relevant to my life right now. Your words are powerfully spiritual and wise!
Thank you, Kim! God’s Holy Spirit gets the credit for the words in my posts. I always pray for Him to give me the right words to reach the people He wants me to reach. He does! Love you, my sweet friend! 🙂
Amen. Sometimes the simplest things can make a huge difference. A smile, a hello, looking someone in the eye and listening when they speak, are just a few ways of sharing God’s love. When I have a positive attitude, I can understand others better. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Thank you, Melissa. I’ve learned that getting outside of myself and focusing on others blesses me as much as the recipient. Have a blessed week, too!! 🙂
I love where you say, “By letting the Holy Spirit guide me to the places where I can best serve, I have more peace and joy in my life.” It is such a difficult place to be where you don’t clearly see where you can best serve. For me it’s because I have to remind myself that God’s timing and mine are not the same. It also reminds me that I need to “be still” and wait on Him. As always, Carol, such a beautiful and moving devotional. May the Lord continually lead you in what He wants you to… Read more »
Thank you, Miss Dali, for letting me know that the words I wrote, and led by the Holy Spirit, were helpful to you. It took me a long time to get to that point. In the past, I would say, “yes,” to every request because it made me feel important, knowing I could do what others asked me to do. I was a people-pleaser, instead of a God-pleaser. Yes, being still and waiting on His timing isn’t always easy, but it sure pays off when we do. God bless you, my friend.
Thank you, Carol, for taking time to listen to the Lord first. We have many talents, accumulated over the years, once we retire. Seeking God’s direction is imperative. I, too, was a teacher, and am a kindred spirit because I love to write! You inspire me. I write poetry and songs to the Lord, but haven’t published any except by making Shutterfly books for family and friends. I’m convicted to seek the Lord’s will in taking the next steps toward publishing. As we are both in our late seventies, our mission trips are a thing of the past, but the… Read more »
Thank you, Patsy, for letting me know more about you and commenting on my post. It has taken me years to pay attention and follow His lead. Sometimes, I second-guess what I feel the Holy Spirit says to me. I keep praying and asking until I find peace. I, too, make Shutterfly books for my loved ones. From 2005-2013, I wrote a weekly faith-based column that appeared in state, national, and international publications. When I burned out, I took a 3-month break and was led to just post on my blog each month. A year ago, I felt led to… Read more »