Attitudes Determine Altitudes
Several years ago I read a book by John Maxwell in which he stated, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” In the book he told that a pilot friend of his had taken him up in his small plane and explained to him that one of the instruments determined if the plan had a nose up attitude or a nose down attitude. When the attitude was nose up, the plan ascended, when the attitude was nose down, the plane descended. Thus, John Maxwell explained, your attitude determines your altitude.
Paul wrote, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8)
Though Paul never dreamt of an airplane, I believe he also new the principle John Maxwell explained above. Our attitude does determine how high we will soar in life. It is interesting, however that the attitude for success for the believer is different than the attitude the world’s system describes as successful.
Notice in Paul’s statement the attitudes of Christ we should have. First is the attitude of servitude. Serving the Lord is the highest calling for the saints of God. Jesus told us that he did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The second attitude is humility. This attitude goes hand in hand with servitude because without humility we cannot truly serve. Maintaining these two attitudes will assure that we maintain a correct altitude for a humble servant does not seek fame or fortune, but only to hear these words, “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
Who can you serve this week?
Blessings,
Pastor Gary
