REFLECT THE ATTITUDE OF CHRIST

Correcting Faulty Attitudes

Is it possible that some need to correct a faulty attitude?  Yes.  This was evidently true of some Christians in the first century.  In his letter to the Philippians, Paul spoke about having the right attitude .  He wrote:  "Not that I have already received it [heavenly life by means of the earlier resurrection]  Or am already made perfect, but I am pursuing to see if I may also lay hold on by Christ Jesus.  Brothers, I do not yet consider myself as having laid hold on  it; bu there is one thing about; forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead, I am pursuing down toward the goal for the prize of the upward  call of God by means of Christ Jesus.  Let us, then, as many of us as are mature, be of this mental attitude." - Philippians 3:12-15.

Paul's words show that anyone who, having become a Christian, does not feel the need to make progress has a wrong attitude.  He has failed to adopt Christ's mental attitude.  (Hebrews 4:11; 2 Peter 1:10; 3:14) Is the situation of such a person hopeless?  Not at all.  God can help us to change our attitude if we really want to.  Paul goes on to say:  "If you are mentally inclined otherwise in any respect, God will reveal the above attitude to you." -Philippians 3:15.

However, if we wish Jehovah to reveal to us the proper attitude to reveal to us the proper attitude, we must do our part.  Prayerful study of God's Word with the help of Christian publications provided by "the faithful and discreet slave" will enable those "mentally inclined otherwise"  to develop a proper attitude.  (Matthew 24:45) Christian elders, appointed by holy spirit "to shepherd the congregation of God," will be happy to offer support.  (Acts 20:28) How grateful we are that Jehovah takes our imperfections into account and lovingly offers us help!  let us accept it.

Next time: REFLECT THE MENTAL ATTITUDE OF CHRIST - Learning From Others

The Watchtower, 2000