Written by Michelle J. Goff
Jesus humbled Himself by always looking to His Father. The relationship He had with the Father permitted Him to maintain His focus under a variety of circumstances, always maintaining the right attitude.
Can you imagine what kind of attitude you might’ve had when the Messiah was accused before the Sanhedrin, then taken to Pilate? He was falsely accused, betrayed, despised, rejected… Yet like a lamb being led to the slaughter, He did not open His mouth (Is. 53:7). Wow!
My attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… in adversity.
Even in my efforts to be welcoming to all, an attitude of self-righteousness can creep in. However, Jesus always chose to see and to spend time with the least popular, the unseen, the rejected, the sick who recognized they needed a doctor… He even invited Himself over to eat with the sinners (Luke 19, Zacchaeus).
Jesus had no home, but He always embodied a spirit of hospitality, an attitude of hospitality.
My attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… in hospitality.
The introverts prefer to serve behind-the-scenes. The extroverts would rather serve in a more public way—anywhere that is out with the people. No matter our personality type, we want to serve in the ways that we prefer to serve. Jesus chose the lowliest job to show the full extent of His love—washing the disciples’ feet (John 13). “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28).
My attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… in service.
The first shall be last and the last shall be first.
Treat others as you want to be treated.
Love God and love others.
My attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… in everything.
What if my attitude were the same as that of Christ Jesus? How would my day look different? My conversations? My actions and reactions?
If I am to allow God to transform me more and more into the image of His Son, in what area do I need to ask for an attitude adjustment? Have I asked God to redefine my attitude to be more in line with that of Christ Jesus? That may feel like a dangerous prayer, but it is a worthwhile one!