Last night, I just struggled. When we are in the midst of serving, sometimes we struggle. Our attitude deflects what we want it to be about, which is the love of Christ. We can be filled with complaints, frustrated, or just struggling in a different way. Maybe, we just had a bad day or our body’s remind us of its fragility. Whatever it is, these things happens. In all activities I commit to or find myself in by His divine will, I need to strive to have an attitude of love. I am trusting that it is a growing opportunity, and not something that is hit-or-miss.
“God’s way is love. My way must be a way of love. As I make this choice, I must consider what this choice will cost me in my attitude. My attitude of love must trump my activity.” -Lysa Terkeurst
When we say “yes” to an activity, how do our attitudes reflect God’s love in the midst of that activity? This should be something we ponder in our hearts, and bring to God in prayer. We can easily overload ourselves, and our attitude (as well as those we are serving) suffer. We need to consider the reason for our unloving attitude (circumstances, lack of rest or time in the Word, much busyness, etc). Those are two things to consider. Are we over-scheduled? Are we trying to use resources we don’t have?
I trust God has me serve in certain areas for His purposes, but I need to do more to prepare for each opportunity that I am given to serve. I want to be able to take much time to prepare my spirit for service. Taking time away to reflect on each serving opportunity is also important. This is how I can better develop an attitude of love, and learn how to glorify God more in each opportunity.
1 Corinthians 13:3 teaches that we need to do all things in love. It is what makes our activity worthwhile! We can do all the “right” things, and still get it wrong. It has to be about showing the love of Christ. It is Him working through me!
Here are the steps I need to take. Both now and in the future.
- Confess to God our sins… our actions… Talking with God is the best way to go. We can come boldly to His throne, and confess that we fall short. We can share with God that we need His forgiveness and help, because we can’t show His love on our own- for we will fail.
- Be ready to ask for others’ forgiveness. When we realize that our attitude is becoming less-loving, we can stop right there, ask for their forgiveness.
- In the moment, stop and pray. Last night, I had to just stop everything and seek God’s help. My prayer was very simple: “Lord Jesus, please help me.”
Resources: 5 Questions to Ask When Making a Decision
Scriptures: Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Gracefully Overcoming 