The human life can mainly be divided into two areas, our attitude and our actions. It is surprising how much our thinking and feeling concerning life controls our actions in life. If we love someone we are more likely to do good things for them. If we love the Lord, we are more likely to serve Him. If we love the Word, we are more likely to read, study, and live it.
At different ages and stages of our life, we have different degrees of attitude toward certain people and things. It was the apostle Paul who wrote of himself and said:
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1 Corinthians 13:11)
This development is very important and very well needed in everyone’s life, but especially in spiritual development. How does this relate to Be-Attitudes? Let’s consider 1 Corinthians 14:20very carefully.
“Brethren, be not children in understanding; how be it in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”
It is interesting and informative that this statement was made by the apostle in correcting the Corinthians on their wrong emphasis in trying to “speak in tongues.” However, the principle can be used of all understanding from Scripture and our attitudes about many things.
In one instance we are to have the attitudes of children, in another respect that of men. We are to be like babes in disposition and desires as to malice, mischief, guile, hypocrisy, etc. Little children are more apt to be open, honest, and trusting. The older and more sophisticated we become, the more likely we are to be deceitful and secretive about our desires and demands. On the other hand we need to grow up in our knowledge and understanding of God and His Word. This will enable us in better understanding and serving mankind in our deeds and actions. In Colossians 3:15, we are admonished:
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
Paul is not talking about being thankful for material things (though we should be), but spiritual realities. We should be thankful for “the peace of God” and let it rule in our hearts. As the peace of God rules in our hearts, we will think peacefully and act peacefully. In another wonderful verse, we are told to:
“Be careful for nothing (don’t be unduly anxious) … And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
We should be thankful for peace and that we “are called in one body (the church).” In conclusion of this brief “points to ponder,” we should have an attitude of kindness.
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
It has aptly been said, “there is more power in the open hand than in the clenched fist.” Spurgeon once said it in another way, “Forgive and forget. When you bury a mad dog, don’t leave his tail above ground.” We have announcements and pronouncements urging us to be kind to animals, and we should. But how much more important and divine to be kind to all human beings, and especially fellow Christians. In all of our attitudes and actions we should “be doers” (James 1:22), “be examples” (1 Timothy 4:12), “be kind” (Eph. 4:32), and “be thankful” (Col. 3:15) Many more could be mentioned, but these are sufficient to ponder for a lifetime.
