Do you find that attitude goes a long way toward changing a person’s entire outlook on a situation? You’ve probably seen this proven in your own life from time to time. Like times when you are complaining about your crazy schedule and are overlooking the fact that you need to celebrate the large numbers of children reached with the gospel during the summer months! Or perhaps the moments when you want to roll your eyes when someone comments about the wonderful sermon your husband preached because all you can think about is his general orneriness on Mondays! All of us experience moments when negativity takes over, but we need to realize that the attitude we choose speaks volumes.
So much of our effectiveness as ministry wives, and even as Christians, is influenced by our attitudes. Like a daring pair of shoes that can either elevate an everyday outfit to something extraordinary or lower the perfect ensemble into a fashion disaster, our attitudes will either make or break our opportunities to serve the Lord. That’s why we much continually put our best foot, er….our best attitude forward. Whether we serve in the nursery, lead a Bible Study or witness to a neighbor; we need to remember that people deserve our best.
Living out the words of Colossians 3:23, which challenges us to do everything as to the Lord, requires that all aspects of our attitudes or viewpoints glorify Him. Considering how your past can influence your present will help you make sure your attitude lines up. What type of home did you grow up in; what was the attitude there of the church, of pastors, of serving the Lord? What type of church did you grow up in; traditional, legalistic, liberal, exciting, or mission-minded?
Often a woman’s church background impacts her overall attitude toward the call to serve as a ministry wife. Many grew up in churches with traditions emphasized to the point that they seemed to be scriptural mandates rather than just local customs. For example, we might struggle with the thought of wearing jeans on Sunday morning. Certainly no Bible verse speaks against denim in the house of God. But at the church we grew up in dresses – not jeans- belonged in church. To this day we sometimes pause at the thought of wearing jeans to Sunday morning worship. While you may laugh or roll your eyes at this example, you can probably think of some similar hang-ups in your life.
We need to recognize that times and fashions change, and what works in one geographic locale may not float in the next. That means that unless an idea is scripturally mandated – like participation in the Lord’s Supper or baptism, then we should ask ourselves, Would letting go of the tradition help me reach more people with the gospel.
We must NEVER change the message of the gospel; our methods, however remain open to change in order to help people find Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 9:22
What traditions do you struggle to release? How might refusing to change hinder your effectiveness in bringing others to Christ? What is your attitude in this!
