Written by Kara Benson, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas
Years ago, I heard this quote: “Your attitude determines your altitude.” Our attitude and demeanor often define how high we will reach and, as Christians, how low we will reach.
Philippians 2:5-11 says, “Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Verses 3-4 of the same chapter say, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
According to 1 Corinthians 13:5, love is not self-seeking. Our redefined attitude is characterized by humility, by looking out for the best interest of others. It is also characterized by being Spirit-led.
Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
If we are called to live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit, we must know what that looks like.
How can I tell if I’m being led by the Spirit?
• When you feel prompted to do or say something that aligns with Scripture, but that is out-of-character (something you wouldn’t naturally do or say).
• When your actions, words, and mindset become more aligned with God’s.
• Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are the fruit of the Spirit. If we are increasing in these areas, it is a sign we are being led by the Spirit.
As followers of Christ, our attitude should be like His. Our attitude should be redefined by humility and by being Spirit-led.
How is your attitude demonstrating humility? How are you allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you?