Pastor’s Corner: “Attitude for Altitude”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) – 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Most of us are familiar with the term altitude in reference to flying a plane. It is the height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level. But we are not as familiar with the term attitude as it relates to flying a plane. The positioning of the ‘nose’ of an aircraft is called its attitude. When it points down, the aircraft plunges downwards. But when it points upwards, then it rises. The altitude of a plane is directly affected by its attitude. If the attitude (nose) of the plane is facing upwards, the plane will soar upwards and the altitude will rise. If the attitude (nose) of the plane is facing down, the plane will plunge and the altitude will fall.
The same is true of our Christian walk. Our altitude (closeness and walk with the Lord) is directly affected by our attitude. Your attitude is so important and crucial to your victory and fulfillment of your God-given destiny. If you have everything else going well for you, whether you fly, sink or crawl is determined by your attitude.
The root of our attitude starts in our thinking. Some 3000 years ago the wise man Solomon said it so well: Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) – 7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Simply put, you become what you think—negative or positive. Your thinking shapes your attitude, and your attitude is like the wood carver’s tool that molds you into the image you become. A lot of Christians have what can best be described as ‘stinking thinking’ they carry thoughts like “I’ll never make it”, “Nobody loves me”, “My life will never amount to anything” etc.
If you have been entertaining thoughts like that, you need a ‘Mind flush!’ 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) – 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. We can do this by setting apart more time for the Word of God in your life. The Word of God births faith in us! And faith alone has the ability to slay the giants on the way to our destiny. When there is faith, giants become like grasshoppers; mountains become like bread that is devoured; obstacles become stepping stones to victory! And that was exactly how Caleb saw it. While the rest of the 12 spies sent out by Moses to view the land saw impossibilities, Caleb and Joshua saw great possibilities through God’s help. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) – 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What about you? Do you see your present challenges as stepping stones or have you concluded doomsday is here? I’ve got good news for you today: you are a champion created for a life of distinction. And those present situations are part of the process prepared for your elevation in life. So adjust your attitude so you can fly and not sink. Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV) – Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Do you realize that even when a situation looks hopeless, God can still turn it around! Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were sent into the fire for their faith. Rather than give up their faith and curse God, they kept on believing. Purpose in your heart to change your mind and shift your attitude in Jesus Christ! Remember your altitude is determined by your attitude, we will never go any higher than the level of our thoughts.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton