Attitude-o-meter

Posted on September 18, 2019 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

 “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” — Acts 9:5 b

 

We have many different measuring devises we use each day. The most common would be the Thermometer. It’s important to know the temperature when adjusting thermostats or before venturing out. What if we had an “Attitude-o-meter?” Something that would measure our attitude. If we could see a meter that said our attitude is poor or could be better would we try and change it?

Our homes and other places that provide climate control have thermostats and gives us opportunity to change the temperature. So, a thermometer reads temperature and a thermostat changes temperature by controlling heat and air conditioning. What do we have that can change or control our attitudes?

I recently came across a term that was directed towards a person with a bad attitude, they were told to go down their “Damascus road.” In reference to the change of heart that turned Saul into the Apostle Paul. Our spiritual thermostats are an encounter with Jesus. After we have been saved, it’s important to continue the sanctification process. When our attitudes are not what they should be and do not honor God, the Word of God and Prayer are the way to adjust the temperature.

Some of the ways our “Attitude-o-meter is read is in our obedience, those times when we will willfully disregard what we know is right. One way to detect that is to know the difference between can’t and won’t. If you can exchange won’t instead of can’t then I’m gonna guess the “Attitude-o-meter” is pointing to bad. When “I can’t deal with him or her” is rephrased “I won’t deal with him or her” we can see we have a heart issue rather than a circumstantial issue.

Just like the Apostle Paul’s conversion on the Damascus Road changed his attitude, being in the word of God and prayer can change ours. Are you kicking against the Goads? Goads were long pointed sticks used to prod the sheep back on track. To “Kick against the goads” is a symbol of going against the prodding of the Holy Spirit. When our “Attitude-o-meter” is in the red it’s usually a good time to regroup and adjust the attitude-o-stat.

So, the next time your “Attitude-o-meter” is pointing to bad, adjust the attitude-o-stat to just the right temperature. Amen!

Written By Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

Think About This: We choose what attitudes we have right now. And it’s a continuing choice. – John C. Maxwell

The Daily Bible Reading: Amos 4-6, John 7:28-53| You can download our 2019 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! – Psalm 139:17

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

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