Everything in our lives comes back to attitude, doesn’t it? It determines the way we live? What is my attitude toward my husband? What is my attitude toward my role of mothering in the home? Is it based on what I want, or is it founded on God’s eternal plan?
I am forever challenged by the words in Philippians 2:5-8 (HCSB) where it says: “Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage (or something to be grasped after). Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.”
This a description of the mind of Christ and we are exhorted to have the same mind. Do we have anything like this attitude? What a difference it would make in our marriages. What a different to the atmosphere of our homes. I often think that if we had no other Scripture, apart from this one, to show us how to live as married couples, it’s all we’d need.
On the other hand, we see the attitude of Satan is the opposite of Christ. Although Jesus was God, He did not grasp at holding on to His Godhead. Satan was not God. He was a created being, although one of the most beautiful creatures God created (Ezekiel 28:12-19). But rather than having a humble attitude, he was not satisfied or content with the glorious sphere God gave to him (Jude 1:6). Instead he rose up with pride and independence.
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 14:12-15: “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Highest.” Do you notice his favorite words, “I will, I will, and I will” again and again”?
What is my attitude? What is yours? Do we have the attitude of Jesus which is submission, humility, and laying down our life? Or is it the attitude of Satan which is pride, independence, and demanding our own way? The attitude of Jesus is beautiful and brings harmony, peace, joy, and delight into our marriages and homes. Satan’s way may seem good in getting your own way, but it always ends in destruction.
I believe we must all encourage ourselves, including myself, to have the attitude of Jesus. Just remember that Satan is out do get you to go his way. He has been very successful. He managed to lure Eve to his way, even though she walked with God in the garden every day. He drew to himself one third of the angels of Heaven against God. Revelation 3:13 tells us that the whole world will follow him and few will be saved.
Don’t be one of the deceived. Go after the attitude of Jesus now.
Blessings from Nancy Campbell