Today’s 333 Devotional: “What Our Attitudes Express”

Our attitudes express what we believe. They are the outward expressions of our inner beliefs. Our action, words, facial expressions, even down to our body language is an expression of what we say we believe.

When Jesus Christ has full authority over our lives, then everything we say and do will reflect that reality. But the opposite is just as true. When we reject Christ’s authority over our lives due to religion, rules, and regulations, then a negative attitude will be exhibited.

Our attitudes are positive when Jesus rules and reigns, but when we substituted religion for a relationship, then we expect very little from the Lord and our attitude reveals it.

Dr. Stanley Jones, a missionary and theologian, was stricken with a crippling stroke at 89 years old. But throughout his recovery his attitudes expressed what he believed. He would always say, “I believe in Jesus Christ as Lord of my life and have surrendered all that I am and have to His authority.”

Because of this attitude he didn’t succumb to what most people described as inevitable. He prayed and asked others to pray because He believed in the Lord, and it showed. He was able to regain both his speech and walk again, and thus resumed his preaching Christ in India.

The gospel message flowed not only from his mouth, but also from his attitude.

We see this same thing in the Centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant. His belief was evident not only through what he said, but the attitude in which he said it.

“Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8)

Jesus therefore replied, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel … Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” (Matthew 8:10, 13)

What is our attitude saying?