Everything is Awesome & Nobody Is Happy The Power of a Christlike Attitude

 Everything is Awesome

&

Nobody Is Happy

The Power of a Christlike Attitude 

Introduction:

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of Attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important: than facts, than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do, than appearances, than giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the Attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one thing we have, and that is our Attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…We are in charge of our attitudes.”

Friends that is a direct quote from the famed author and pastor Chuck Swindoll. What do you think? Do you think that he is correct? Is attitude the most important aspect of life? Is it the most important aspect of church? Is it the most important aspect of your work or your family? There is something so true about his statement. I have seen churches ripped apart by members with poisonous attitudes. I have seen teams fall into shambles because one person had a cancerous attitude. Ive seen relationships end because one or both people involved possessed a selfish or self centered attitude. 

Illustration:

Coach John Wooden at U.C.L.A. won 665 games in 27 seasons and 10 NCAA titles during his last 12 seasons, including 7 in a row from 1967 to 1973. His UCLA teams also had a record winning streak of 88 games, four perfect 30-0 seasons, and won 38 straight games in NCAA

Tournaments. 

UCLA’s 47 game winning streak came to an end in January 1968 when the Bruins were beaten by Houston in the Astrodome 71-69 on national TV. And at the end of the game there was a controversial call that went against UCLA and they lost in the final seconds.

Afterwards, moments after that upsetting loss John Wooden had a microphone thrust into his face and he was asked, "Coach do you think that call lost the game for you and ended your winning streak?'"Coach Wooden just smiled that smile that would kind of crinkle up his whole face and he said, "Well, you never know about those things...There probably was a call or two that went our way...I just want to congratulate Houston’s coach and the Houston players for an excellent game."

Just as John Wooden knew the right attitude to display in the wake of a high-stress and unnerving circumstance, even so you must respond with a God pleasing attitude in wake of your overwhelming trials.

Quote:

John Maxwell defines it this way:

-- “The Attitude is an inward feeling expressed by behavior.”

Point:

Speaking of behavior, Christian, what is your ultimate example of a righteous and correct attitude? Is your Mom, your Dad, a teacher, maybe even a preacher? Sure, those people can influence us in some really profound ways. Still, what is our number one example of an attitude of service? Naturally I am talking about Jesus. Jesus is clearly the answer. He is where we should look to help define our daily attitude. I know what you are thinking. You are probably thinking, “preacher, I know that Jesus is my example of a healthy and holy attitude.” I suppose my response to you is that if you know that Jesus is the ultimate example of a holy attitude then why does our attitudes so often detour around His example? I say “our” because I am also speaking of myself. My attitude is not always befitting of a follower of Christ and neither is yours. 

Christ always speaks kindly. I don’t. 

Christ always acts with compassion. I don’t. 

Christ always has time for people. I don’t always want to make the time. 

Christ always places priorities on the right people and the right place. I don’t. 

Friends, that’s what we are looking at today. Attitude. Not just attitude but Jesus’ attitude. I truly believe that if we all committed ourselves to seeking to be more like Jesus, possessing His attitude, that our church would be filled with people, that our church would be engaged in passionate worship, that our church would see baptisms each and every week, and that our ministries will be filled with those who serve rather than those who just consume. 

Fill in these blanks this morning. Today’s thesis is that your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. Correct, your attitude, your outlook on life, not how smart you are or what information you possess, that determines where you go in life. 

Today’s Thesis: Your Attitude, Not Your Aptitude, Will Determine Your Altitude!

Background:

The Epistle to the Philippians was written by Paul of Tarsus to a Christian church in the city of Philippi, province of Macedonia. The letter was written in the late 50’s to early 60’s AD. Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome. Theologians believe that this was the very last letter that Paul ever wrote. Fitting as it is the most encouraging and uplifting of all of Paul’s letter. Paul loved the Philippians because they supported him in his ministry. They provided for Paul, gave him significant resources, and they were very committed to praying for Paul. The theme of Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi is one of unity and humility. Paul, throughout the discourse suggests that the Philippians have “one mind” (1:27), the “same mind” (2:2) and “humility of mind regarding one another” (2:3). As a result, the peace of God would guard the “hearts and minds” of the congregation “in Christ Jesus” (4:7).  Moreover, “Paul himself also wanted to encourage the Philippians in their faith and used his imprisonment as an inspiration to the Philippians to live a bold and brave Christian life, all to the sharing and spreading of the gospel.

So, let’s dive in this morning to Paul’s letter to the Church in Philippi. This morning we are reading from Philippians 2:1-11 from the New Living Translation. 

Today’s Passage: Philippians 2:1-11 NLT

Philippians 2:1-11 NLT

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,

    he did not think of equality with God

    as something to cling to.

7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

    he took the humble position of a slave

    and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form,

8 he humbled himself in obedience to God

    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor

    and gave him the name above all other names,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father.

Point:

Before we move on, I want to divide this message into two parts. We are talking about attitude of course but we are talking about the attitude of a church. Sure, there is an attitude of a congregation or body of believers. I want also talk about the attitude of an individual Christian. 

I. An Example For The Church To Follow

A. Pursue Harmony vs. 1-2

Philippians 2:1-2 NLT

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Point:

Friends, do you know how to define a rhetorical question? I mean, I know what a rhetorical question is, but I don’t know that I could actually define it. So, I did what any other red blood American male would do. I Googled it. This is what I found. A rhetorical question is a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer. Here are a few examples. 

Why is an alarm clock going “off” when it actually turns on?

Why are Softballs hard?

If the professor on Giligan’s Island can make a radio out of coconut, why can’t he fix a hole in a boat?

Why do they call it “getting your dog fixed” if afterwards it doesn’t work anymore?

Believe it or not, there are several rhetorical questions that Paul poses in Philippians 2:1-2. 4 in fact. Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Each time Paul poses these questions, the answer is obvious and the point is profound. Of course there is encouragement from belonging to Christ. Are you all encouraged from belonging to Christ? I hope so. Of course there is comfort from HIs love. For those of you who have suffered tragedy, aren’t you exceedingly comforted through your faith and the presence of Christ? Of course you are. Naturally there is fellowship in the Spirit and our hearts tender and compassionate. 

Paul is asking these questions to make a point. He is reminding the church that agreement, partnership, and being of one mind is something that every church should pursue and if a church is blessed to find these traits, it needs to realize how fragile this unity is and how quickly it can dissolve. So Christian, pursue harmony and peace with one another. We should pursue such things because there is peace, encouragement, fellowship, and purpose awaiting us. 

Romans 12:16-18 ESV

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

B. Pursue Humility vs. 3-4 

Philippians 2:3-4 NLT

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Point:

Again, Paul speaks about another defining characteristic of a Christlike congregation. Humility. 

Quote:

“None are as empty as those who are full of themselves.” - Benjamin Whichcote

Point:

Have you ever met a prideful, arrogant person? Prideful people are always telling you about themselves, their accomplishments, and how smart and wonderful they are. Then they look at you to continue the conversation about them and to affirm their magnificence. Which of us could not name at least one person we know who acts like that?

So what is humility, and what makes humble people different? Humility is the absence of self in all we think, do or say. You know when you encounter humility because you are irresistibly drawn to and awestruck by its presence.

People with the quality of humility are interested in everyone else. In conversations, they want to know about you. They are not looking for ways you can be a blessing to them, they are looking for ways they can bless you. Humility is the very opposite of pride and arrogance. In a disagreement, pride is concerned with who is right, humility is concerned with what is right. Pride and arrogance are all about self, they are always looking down at everyone else. Humility looks up. Humility looks up to God. Humble is the man who cares about pleasing God at all costs than about pleasing others. Humility brags on God rather than bragging on ourselves. 

Church, pursue harmony and have the attitude of humility. It should be a daily competition on who in this church can out serve the other. 

Romans 12:3 ESV

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

Point:

Now Paul moves from the attitude of the congregation to the attitude of the individual Christian. Paul provides for us the model, the ultimate example of a holy attitude. This comes in the form of Jesus. Paul’s words remind me of the Apostle John’s thoughts captured in I John 2:6. 

I John 2:6 ESV

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

II. An Example For The Christian To Follow

A. Jesus Surrendered vs. 6

Philippians 2:6 NLT

6 Though he was God,

    he did not think of equality with God

    as something to cling to.

Point:

Everyone eventually surrenders to something or someone. If not to God, you will surrender to the opinions or expectations of others, to money, to resentment, to fear, or to your own pride, lusts, or ego. You were designed to worship God—and if you fail to worship him, you will create other things to give your life to. You are free to choose what you surrender to, but you are not free from the consequences of that choice. 

When you look at the life of Christ, His was a life of complete and total surrender to His Father. 

Point:

If you want a change in your life, if you want forgiveness and peace and joy that you’ve never known before, God demands total surrender. He becomes the Lord and the ruler of your life.

You’re surrendering all the time. When I fly in an airplane and I sit down in the seat, I’m surrendering to that plane. Nothing I can do about it.

I’ve been operated on several times, and I didn’t negotiate with the doctors. As they took the knives out and put the anesthetic in, I put my full trust in those doctors that they were going to do the right thing.

God said, “I know the plans I have for you, … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). That’s what God says. He’s not here to condemn you. He’s here to bless you and love you and take you into His arms and say, “I forgive you. I’ll change your life. And when you die, you will go to Heaven.”

That’s what God is saying, if you will surrender totally and completely. But you can’t hold anything back.

First, surrender your mind. Now, when you surrender your mind to God, it means not only what we think but how we think. Some think that when you come to Christ, you have to leave your mind behind. Our faith is not irrational. Jesus will stand the inspection of any scientist, mathematician or intellectual in the world.

I read that by the time you reach college age you will have seen more than 200,000 television commercials. Can you believe that? Congress debated what influence advertising was having on children’s behavior. The average 21-year-old has seen 10,000 hours of violent programs. No wonder we have shooting in our schools. Our minds get saturated with violence or swearing or sex or whatever it is. A survey found that 77 percent of all allusions to sex on network television involve sex outside of marriage, and that cheapens love.

The Bible says, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new” (Ephesians 4:22, 23, NIV). You can be made new.

You see, your mind is more than a computer. In a computer, the programs don’t get stronger the more you use them, but it’s not true with what you see and hear. What is repeated is reinforced in our minds. What we remember influences what we do. The Bible says, “For as [a person thinks] in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). What do you think in your heart? What are you really like down inside?

Second, surrender your body. One of the great debates today is who owns the body. Doctors, lawyers, clergy, judges and juries debate the moral, ethical and legal sides of this issue. And the questions surrounding suicide and euthanasia and abortion center on the issues of who owns and controls your body. Who controls your body?

The Bible says if you’re a Christian, your body does not belong to you. It belongs to God. And the Bible also says that it’s God’s temple. Your body is God’s temple, and He dwells in you if you really know Christ (see 1 Corinthians 3:16).

Third, surrender your will. Before Jesus healed or helped people, He would normally say, “Will you? Are you willing?” And I’m asking you, will you surrender to Christ? Will you let Christ dominate your life and be the Lord of your life? Will you? That’s the question He asks. The Scripture says, “Whosoever will, let him come” (see Revelation 22:17).

Have you ever surrendered yourself unconditionally to Christ? Have you ever given Him your mind and your body and your will? When you come to Christ, that’s just the beginning because you must live for Him. And in living for Him, that means that the dominant feature of your life will be love. Whatever the color of someone’s skin, you love them. You go out of your way to be friends with people of another race. That’s how you love.

B. Jesus Served vs. 7

Philippians 2:7 NLT

7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

    he took the humble position of a slave

    and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form,

C. Jesus Submitted vs. 8

Philippians 2:8 NLT

8 he humbled himself in obedience to God

    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

How Can We Humble Ourselves, And Take Christ’s Attitude?

1. Look In

2. Look Up

3. Look Into

4. Look Out

5. Look Around

Matthew 23:12 ESV

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Turn This Information Into Your Inspiration!