I sometimes had a disrespectful attitude when I was in the seventh grade.
My homeroom teacher often gave unannounced locker checks. On one of these surprise occasions, the teacher told us to file into the hallway and stand by our lockers. I felt confident my locker would pass inspection, so I had no worries. When Mr. Pack reached my locker, I proudly opened the door and quickly caught a few flying papers being held hostage inside. My teacher looked at the disorganized mess and declared, “That’ll be five demerits, young lady.”
Without thinking, I stomped my foot and cried, “No way!”
“Make that ten demerits because of your attitude,” he replied.
“But, Mr. Pack!” I whined.
“Five more!”
I was stubborn, but a building didn’t have to fall on me for me to realize my attitude was bad. After losing fifteen points off my deportment (my conduct grade), I closed my mouth and proceeded to clean out my locker.
When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, he instructed them to have an attitude like Christ’s. He also encouraged them to let others see God working in them.
As Christians, we need to show the world our lives are full of the joy of Christ, not the disgruntlement of ourselves. We need to “provide people with a glimpse of . . . the living God” within us.
I am grateful I outgrew my seventh-grade insolence. As an adult, I can still have an occasional bad attitude. However, I have learned that approaching life with joy, respect, and humility makes me a better person. It also helps me set a better example for others.
Think twice before stomping your foot, grumbling, and complaining about life. Instead, be of good cheer. Be the fresh air that society needs, and let others see God living in you.
Think of one way you can adjust your attitude.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
After teaching high school English for over thirty years, Joyce McCullough now spends her time writing children’s books. She also enjoys tutoring, teaching piano lessons, teaching Sunday school, and doing volunteer work. She has written for numerous faith-based publications including Alive, The Cumberland Presbyterian, The Missionary Messenger, and Focus on the Family’s Early Stages. She has received numerous awards and recognition both as a writer and as an educator. For more information, visit her website, The Literary Lyonesse, at joycemccullough.com.