I began reading a leadership book by Jon Gordon called The Energy Bus yesterday. I haven’t been able to get very far into it since I was at a doctor’s office waiting and got interrupted. (How rude!) 🙂 So far the gist of the book is Positivity vs Negativity. As I thought about that and then as I listened to the confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth while I ate my supper, I couldn’t but see that many of those lawmakers needed a good dose of what this book appears to be about. The vitriol, negativity, hypocrisy and downright nastiness was a big turn off to me.
The Bible speaks about doing all things without grumbling and complaining (Phil. 2:14). To use another word: whining. I remember as I was growing up one of my grandfather’s favorite expressions was “Oh, stop your belly-achin'” Even as I type those words I can hear him saying them. (Not to me, of course, because I never complained). 🙂 Seriously though, he was on the money. No one ever made their situation or attitude better-or those around them-by grumbling and complaining. When I think of someone whining I think of a little child who is not getting his/her way and let’s everyone know. That little whiny voice just grates on my nerves. Well…sadly, many never seem to grow out of that stage of life. Oh, their bodies grow. And yes, their minds grow (least we hope). Their vocabulary grows. But they just don’t seem to grow out of that whininess (and yes, I know that is not a word. Maybe it will be the 2025 Word of the Year!).
This morning in my daily Bible reading I read the following verses. I share them with you because I do believe that our attitude plays a lot into the way we see our day and others. “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:8-10). Then from Proverbs 15 I read the following verses: “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” (v. 2). “A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” (v.13). And one more: “Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.” (v.16)
We all have a choice. We can allow our circumstances to dictate our attitude, or we will allow our attitude to dictate how we see our circumstances. The latter makes more sense for the one who is a follower of Christ because we know the ONE who controls everything! Make a positive difference today with your attitude. Pull people up not drag them down. You’ll be glad you did and your friends and colleagues will thank you.Â
I watched that same drama yesterday, too, Bill. It’s so sad to see and hear those who would rather tear someone down than truly listen in a positive manner, giving someone a chance to express their beliefs and how they affect them (Christians are almost always in for a bashing in this secular society). In the priceless words of your grandfather, can’t we all stop our bellyaching? Blessings!
I couldn’t watch it very long Martha. I told Jo if I had been Pete I would have had trouble maintaining my decorum. Course that is exactly what they are shooting for. I needed to let the others commentators take my words and state them. I did love the one rep (Mullin think his name is) who let them have it.
Great advice Bill. Our attitude on everything we do, is how people form their opinions of us, and we either are lifting the kingdom up or tearing it down by our words. As a Christ follower, if we are always trying to find the bright spot, or offer solutions in a peaceful way, we honor God.
I agree Gail and that is why it is so important to have the right attitude. We honor God.
One of my older friends told me once: “Never ask how an older adult is doing, unless you want a rundown of their medical history…” And it’s so true if you do ask an elder they will usually say “well this and that hurts…”
Also, never complain about your own aches and pains, because that’s an opening for them also!”
LOL.
I just learned never to complain, because it’s nothing that no one hasn’t heard before.
I mean, you can’t really complain about those red and blue sirens behind you… RIGHT behind you….
Ok, ok… I’ll be quiet now…
That is true about the complaining and older adults. I have learned just not to complain. I can’t change what is happening nor do people really want to hear.