Here we are on lesson three and if you haven’t noticed, this whole thing is very personal. We aren’t talking about just knowing Scripture to help us through a specific situation – we’re talking about looking at where we are in light of what the Word says and then adjusting our lives to conform to the Word instead of the world.
I don’t have a video for you today, but I do have a few things I want to add to dive deeper into your study. After you read through lesson three in your book and answer your questions, I’d like for you to look at a couple of attitude adjustments found in Scripture and then consider how you can make your own adjustments.
Remember, attitudes determine perspective and perspective determines the way we approach everything!
Take a few minutes and read through the following verses as we consider Jonah. I’ve linked you to the condensed version in the story: Jonah 1:1-3, Jonah 1:15-17, Jonah 2:1-4, Jonah 2:9-10, Jonah 3:1-3, Jonah 4:1-11.
Now I know we read the story of Jonah and think, “What a whiner!” but we might be surprised to find a few of his attitudes evident in our own lives.
1. Why do you think Jonah said he didn’t want to go in the first place?
2. Should our answer to God’s call be based on what we want to do or on our desire to serve God regardless of what we want to do?
3. Have you ever been angry or frustrated at God because you had to do something you didn’t want to do and then it turned out like you thought it would?
5. Have you ever copped an attitude because you didn’t get your way with God or because things didn’t turn out the way you wanted them to?
Jonah teaches us much about attitudes. Ultimately, his desire should have been to please God not have his own way. Jonah was a whiner! Would others ever say the same of you?
Now let’s look at Paul:
Take a few minutes and read through Acts 15:35-40.
1. Why did Paul cop an attitude about taking John Mark?
2. What wording is used to show that they were in a full-fledged argument?
3. What are some legitimate reasons that Paul might not have thought it was good for John Mark to go with them? (Defend Paul’s position)
4. Even if Paul’s motives were good, what attitude did he reflect in this discourse between himself and Barnabus?
5. Have you ever felt so strongly about something or were so angry about a situation that you publicly dug your heals in and made a spectacle of yourself?
We don’t know Paul’s heart, but we do know how he responded. I’ve often defended Paul in these verses. Perhaps he didn’t think it would be safe for John Mark to go… maybe he knew that what was ahead of them was more than John Mark could take.
But whether his motives were good or not – his response was definitely not.
In 2 Timothy 4:11 we find Paul requesting that John Mark join him because he would be helpful in the ministry.
Years of a very sweet relationship had been lost between Paul and Barnabas because Paul dug his heels in.
Barnabas saw in John Mark what Paul could not. He discipled him and helped him become fit for the ministry.
- How many relationships have we hurt because we dug our heels in?
- Have you ever failed to see the potential in others and disregarded them like Paul did?
- Has anyone ever disregarded your potential and made you feel less than?
Today, it’s time to adjust our attitudes. As you read through your study, pray the Lord will reveal areas in your life that need to be dealt with and then surrender to an attitude of humility and an attitude of confidence in Christ.
Awesome lesson, Stephie! Very probing and thought provoking. Thank you!
Our attitudes affect everyone around us and can also be like a domino effect! My desire is to be a Barnabus…encourager. I really try to be most of the time but the real test for me comes when: I feel as though I've encouraged someone so much and yet I see no change….no help from them…no committment…and then I get an attitude! So much so that I honestly have said to God, “Why do you want me to continue with this particular person? Well, I may be being a little too honest here Steph….but there have times in my life that I have honestly had me attitude about someone else based on their past life or better yet…cause they don't do do LIKE I think they need to do!!!! It has been at those times that my sweet Lord has had to remind me from where He has brought me from and where I could have been had it not been for HIM and the encouragement I rec. from others and the TIME they put into me! WOW…God is so good! Then at those times my attitude will change (after a fresh reminder from our Lord that life isn't about me)and I will have to say Okay Lord, change my attitude and my heart! Once I allow Him to do that then guess what? Things didn't seem so serious after all! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
I totally agree with this that attitudes affect those around us. My husband, my children, my co-workers, etc. There is a Psalm that says something about a nagging wife is like dripping water. I don't want to be that wife, or mother.
I want to be an encourager who gives life not death.
Yes, I need an attitude adjustment Lord.
Melissa
Lynn ~ Thanks for popping in today! LOVED your post! Needed it desperately! Love you, my friend!
Cindy ~ I love that you're so transparent! We need to be like that so others don't think that everyone always has their act together. It's funny, but the more we know, the more we realize we don't know! Thanks so much for sharing!
Melissa ~ Thanks for sharing that! I don't want to be that woman either! We all have to work on our hearts and attitudes! 🙂