Growth Spurts part 3

We have been given the mind of Christ, therefore we should also have the attitude of Christ. Attitudes are conceived in our minds, nurtured in our hearts and finally given birth through our mouths.

Everything we do, we should do unto the Lord. That is how God's word instructs us to serve in the kingdom of God. Be it to our husbands, our children, our brothers and sisters as well as to our neighbors, we are to serve them as unto the Lord.

Serving as unto the Lord has required another growth spurt for me. Attitude adjustments have been rather high on the list of things to work on!

I have found that not everyone thinks the same (it has taken 44 years, but I am finally getting it!). Not just in how we do things, but in doctrinal issues, thoughts as to what is morally right, and even in interpretation as to what God's word says.

Yet in the body of Christ we are called to unity. The greatest challenge seems to be how to serve unto the Lord while maintaining obedience to God's word and in keeping an attitude that rejoices in the Lord always. Questions arise as to when to speak and how to speak. How to consider what is being said and how to respond with speech that reveals that you serve the Lord God Almighty. How to redirect incorrect attitudes or thoughts to line up with God's word, his heart, and his thoughts.

It is never easy, but to be honest, it starts with us. Where is our heart attitude at for serving the Lord in the body of Christ? Will you be willing to give up the way you want to do things and consider someone else's? Sometimes it means that we state what we know and believe to be right so that we are right before God and then we have to drop it and let God deal with people. Or perhaps God will cause you to keep fighting for what is right. Sometimes we have to take a stand and speak up when we feel that something that wants to be done may cause an offense to someone (love does protect) and other times God leads us to be silent.

Our thoughts and attitudes have to line up with God's word. They have to be disciplined to be obedient to God's word. It takes time in God's presence and it takes the circumstance in our everyday life for God to teach us how to maintain an attitude of service unto the Lord. Oh, to have an attitude of rejoicing in the Lord always while serving the Lord in all aspects of our lives...how blissful that would be!