Attitude is Everything

Scripture Texts: Philippians 1:19-30; Philippians 2:1-11

That's a pretty tall order, to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus. Yet that is exactly the instruction from Paul to the church in Philippi, and to us. This statement is made after a list of how to conduct yourself, "don't be selfish, don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't look out only for your own interests but the interests of others too." (Phil. 2:3-4)

The attitude of Christ is the embodiment of this conduct. Ironically, Christ was the one person in all history that had the right be selfish, impress others, and think of self more than others. Christ took the posture of a servant even though he was God. When we put on the same attitude of Christ we are willing to submit to the call of God and walk with the people around us in different ways.

A marriage is a totally different experience when the two people take on the attitude of Christ. A total submission to the call and will of God by each person results in a life lived to the fullness of Christ. Without both partners taking on the attitude of Christ there will be a constant struggle in the marriage. A difference in values and importance will invade every conversation and situation. This can be even more challenging if one partner has attempted to take on the attitude of Christ and the other has not.

The attitude of Christ is not a natural leaning for humanity, and it certainly is not found in a marriage by happenstance. Good news is found in that if both people in a marriage are working to take on the attitude of Christ there is a partner in the effort. Additional good news is the reward for a Christlike attitude is quickly experienced. No, not everything in life will be easy or even good. The difference will be experienced in how we respond to the situations we find. Taking on the attitude of Christ makes all the difference. Not to mention the difference it will make in the relationship you have with your spouse.