Introduction:

1. One of the greatest obstacles to right actions is wrong attitudes.

2. This discussion is a reminder for us all to keep a close watch on our attitudes and rearrange them where necessary to live faithfully.

Discussion:

I. The Meaning of Attitude

A. The word attitude does not appear in any of the major translations, but the concept is everywhere in Scripture.

B. Attitude: “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something…reflected in a person’s behavior” (Oxford Languages)

II. Five Attitudes to Abandon

A. Pride: (Proverbs 6:16; 11:2; 16:18; 29:23; Romans 11:20-21; 1 John 2:15-17).

B. Bitterness: (Genesis 37; Proverbs 14:17; Galatians 5:19-20; Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8; Hebrews 12:14-15).

C. Selfishness: (Luke 10:25-37; 2 Timothy 3:2; James 3:14-16).

D. Grumbling: (Numbers 11:1; 14:27-33; 1 Corinthians 10:10; Philippians 2:14-15; James 5:9).

E. Covetousness: (Genesis 3:6; Exodus 20:17; Luke 12:15; Colossians 3:5; Hebrews 13:5).

III. Five Attitudes to Embrace

A. Humility: (Psalms 138:6; Proverbs 3:34; Matthew 5:3, 5; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

B. Kindness: (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-13).

C. Selflessness: (1 Corinthians 10:24, 32-33; Philippians 2:3-4).

D. Thankfulness: (Ephesians 5:4, 20; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

E. Contentment: (Luke 3:14; Philippians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5).

1. Though this is a relatively small sample of the possible attitudes we may have, these pose some of the greatest threats to our souls.

2. We must clean up our attitudes that we may clean up our actions.