ATTITUDES MATTER

Jer. 29:11 | Pro. 23:7; Ps. 119:59

Jer. 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of

evil, to give you an expected end.

Pro. 23:7 – For as he thinks in his heart (mind, soul’s emotions), so is he…

Ps. 119:59 – I thought on my ways and turned my feet unto your testimonies.

What is an attitude of heart?

1. An attitude can be both positive and negative; both heard/seen and hidden.

2. Definition: opinion, intention toward a person, place, or thing; a mental state of mind, bodily posture showing one’s disposition.

3. Can you think of an example for those definitions? (in counsel while look of disapproval flashes across counselor’s face; opinion based on personal preference; feelings towards a person causes one to see only what one wants to see.

4. Luke 13:1-4 – Jesus challenges the attitudes of His disciples towards people who experience

bad things in life. –

There were some present at that season, some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwell in Jerusalem. I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

a. Pro. 3:7 – Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil.

b. Ro. 12:16 – Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion/judgment.

What is the cure for a wrong attitude based on Jesus’ parable in Luke 13:6-9(READ)?

1. The natural worldly response is found in v. 7b – no fruit: Cut it down, why does it use up the ground?

2. Vineyard Keeper’s (Jesus’) cure: Verses 8-9 – Let it alone for a year –

a. Give it time to grow

b. Dig around it – loosen the soil; prepare the soil;

c. Fertilize it – put in the missing nutrients; attend to its health

d. Watch it produce or not produce before making a final decision.

What is the example Jesus gives correcting wrong attitudes? – Luke 13:10-16 READ

1. Our convenience is not a good definer of our attitudes.

2. Our biases and experience (rules: do not work on the Sabbath; OR all Pit Bulls are mean)

3. Our feelings and emotions often overrule the facts or sway which facts we agree with.

4. Our associates influence our opinions – ruler of synagogue was indignant; multitude sided with Jesus – who would you have sided with, your church leaders or someone who was healing /helping someone? Think carefully about this because this scenario happens all the time.

5. Consider God’s truth about any situation, person, etc. first. What does scripture say?

a. What is our experience? Conviction of the Holy Spirit? Truth in God’s Word?

b. Why are we having a reaction? Based on bias, fear, uncertainty….?

Conclusion: Our Attitudes are NOT hidden from God – Ps. 44:21 – God knows the secrets of the heart.

Gen. 6:5 – And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every

imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

I Chron. 28:9 – And you, Solomon my son, you know the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts: if you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

READ Isaiah 55:6-9 in closing – we are responsible to control our thoughts; God will help us in this.