Attitude is so important. It is probably one of the key ingredients to being taught and learning well. A good attitude is a true sign of leadership.
Think back to your favorite teacher in High School or the person assigned to give you training at your new job.
Were they condescending with a “I can’t believe you are so ignorant and uninformed” attitude or were they genuinely helpful and patient, giving you the guidance and even the hands-on experience that you needed to understand the concepts being presented?
It’s our patient instruction that helps our children as they grow in knowledge and skill. It’s the patient driving instructor that puts us at ease when we venture on to the freeway for the first time. It’s the calm demeanor of the cowboy that gives us our first riding lesson that keeps the horse and the rider from being anxious.
Then why do we think that a sanctimonious, pious, turn or burn attitude will be what leads others to a closer and more mature walk with the Lord?
“…But knowledge makes us proud of ourselves, while love makes us helpful to others. 2 In fact, people who think they know so much don’t know anything at all. 3 But God has no doubts about who loves him.” I Corinthians 8:1-3 CEV
Another version of this verse says knowledge puffs up (gives a big head) but love edifies (builds up).
Jesus said that we shouldn’t be so quick to point out a splinter in the eye of others when we have a beam in our own eye. The Apostle Paul has this to say about judging others and how God deals with us.
“Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things…4 You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?” Romans 2:1-4 CEV
The Holy Spirit corrects us without condemning us. It is the goodness of God that convicts us and draws us to Him.
I don’t know about you but I would much rather be someone who builds others up than one who is puffed up like a strutting rooster. Look around today and see who you can encourage, who needs your patient instruction. Build them up!
Be blessed.