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The Attribute & Attitude Assessment: Obedience, Diligence, Adaption, Passion, Optimism, and Generosity.
I think every once in a while it is a good idea to assess our personal repertoire of attributes and take some time to analyze and assess our attitudes on various issues and circumstances in our lives. Before we begin to look at the attitudes and attributes that we should encompass as Christians, let us take a brief look at the different attitudes and attributes that we definitely need to get rid of from our mentality. Stereotyping and discrimination of individuals regarding age, color, or gender for example are certainly not part of God's will. God's word tells us with great clarity that we were all created equally in His image so we therefore should not discriminate against one another. We also need to remember the Golden Rule which tells us to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. With this idea in mind, how important is it for us not to stereotype or discriminate against each other? I think it is extremely important! (See V*1 and V*2).
A lot of us, at one time or another, fall into the trap of feeling sorry for ourselves or feeling negative about ourselves in our thoughts. We may sometimes also fall into the trap of cultivating negative thoughts about various situations that we come across in our daily lives. In these cases we are instructed by God to take those negative thoughts, emotions, and mentalities captive in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (See V*3).
We are all at various points in our lives and we have all experienced varying degrees of difficulty and hardship in our lives. This is important to note, especially so that we may not fall into the trap of judging one another too harshly, and instead allow God to be the ultimate authority on how he judges each individual. (See V*4). The Bible makes it clear that by the same measure we use it will too be used against us. (See V*5). It is important that we remember that as believers of God and His word we are all works in progress. We may be far from perfect at the moment, but that should not discourage us from seeking to unlock our full potential. It is especially important to take biblical knowledge into consideration when we are deciding what kind of attitudes and attributes we would like to embody.
I think that if we take inventory of these from a biblical perspective, we will not only attain a greater understanding of who God wants us to become, but also acquire a more firm idea of how we will begin to take action steps towards these goals. I think that one of the foundational attributes that we should all strive for is much easier to be said than done, that is the act of being obedient. The Bible tells us that if we are obedient to God's commandments he will fill us with a supernatural joy and delight that is hard to fully understand unless you have felt it for yourself. It is an unparalleled feeling of peace, joy, and fulfillment that truly makes it one of the most important characteristics to attain. (See V*6 and V*7).
Another one of the most important attributes a human being can and should possess to live a Godly lifestyle is an optimistic attitude with a strong passion for Jesus Christ. When these two ingredients are present and we already have that burning fire within us to achieve our life-goals we are ready to become diligent in our endeavors. For some people passion may also be found in a hobby like gardening or writing, for someone else it may be a sport such as swimming or football. I think that these are certainly positive, healthy ideas that certainly could qualify as a passion for any particular individual. I would highly recommend these sorts of passions as well, as long as your main passion is always to seek God first, then he causes everything else to fall into place. (See V*8). Always remember that a passion for God and accomplishing His will by utilizing our gifts, talents, and resources would be an ideal step for us to take in order to live a more satisfying life overall. Not only will you experience a level of satisfaction and joy that is true to God's word through obedience, but you will also be privileged to be utilized, blessed, and favored by Jesus Christ who will certainly lead you to be diligent in your work for Him. In the book of Proverbs it tells us the reward of being diligent in our labor, it tells us directly that such a man will stand before kings among other benefits. (See V*10). What an honor it is to think that despite not needing us, God still uses us to convey His message to others and gives us the wisdom to do so. This is not to say the road will always be easy, on the contrary I am sure that it is not. Life can sometimes be full of uncertainty and we may find ourselves in situations where we lack in faith. We must remember that the Bible instructs us not to worry or be anxious about tomorrow for each day has enough trouble of it's own. (See V*9).
The next attribute ties in closely with being obedient and is perhaps one of the most vital characteristics or attributes. It is the attribute of adaptability. According to www.dictionary.com adaptability means: (1) capable of being adapted. (2) Able to adjust oneself readily to different conditions. This is an important aspect of it, but I would also like to add that as far as biblical matters are concerned adaptability applies to obeying God's will and seeking His greater plan despite what we may personally want for ourselves. We need to be willing to adapt to His plans because after all He created us and our lives truly belong to Him. He really does know what is best for us and will help us in achieving His plan for our lives. Again in the book of Proverbs we find that having an attitude of adaptability (and obedience) will lead us to receive Godly wisdom and God's guidance in our lives. (See V*11, V*12, and V*13)
The final attribute ties in closely with honoring God with our gifts, talents, and resources. This characteristic is that of generosity. We should all consider the benefits of being generous. Those who give generously will themselves be refreshed. This is also found in Proverbs, which tells us that the liberal person will be enriched and he that refreshes will be refreshed. (See V*14). There is no doubt in my mind that God would like for us to each be generous in all these ways, to what extent I suppose is up to us and His divine inspiration in our hearts.
Thanks again for your consideration of my article, may God guide you in your actions in regards to this assessment and challenge that I have laid out for you. I know I still have a lot of work to do in several of these areas, but hopefully God will continue to encourage me to take steps in the right direction as well!
-Victor Nunez
Biblical References:
V*1- "There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galations 3:28 (Amplified Bible)
V*2- "So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you even so do also to and for them, for this is (sums up) the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (Amplified Bible)
V*3- "[In as much as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5 (Amplified Bible)
V*4- "Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves." Matthew 7:1 (Amplified Bible)
V*5- "For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you." Matthew 7:2 (Amplified Bible)
V*6- "If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey my instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father's commandments and live on in His love. John 15:10 (Amplified Bible)
V*7- "I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and over-flowing." 15:11 (Amplified Bible)
V*8- "But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides." Matthew 6:33 (Amplified Bible)
V*9- "So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34 (Amplified Bible)
V*10- "Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." Proverbs 22:29 (Amplified Bible)
V*11- "He hides away sound and goldy Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity." Proverbs 2:7 (Amplified Bible)
V*12- "That He may guard the paths of justice; yes, He preserves the way of His saints." Proverbs 2:8 (Amplified Bible)
V*13- "Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and fair dealing [in every area and relation]; yes, you will understand every good path." Proverbs 2:9 (Amplified Bible)
V*14- "The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25 (Amplified Bible)