So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 1 Kings 19:19
It is not possible to achieve the right result without the right attitude. Our attitude determines the altitude of our achievements and the aptitude of our perception. Many people are sitting on a treasure trove, but they only see trash because they have the wrong attitude. Some people are struggling with discouragement because of the hardship that God is using to increase their endurance for the challenges ahead.
Our greatest enemy is within and not without. We are the ones who hinder our growth and maturity because of the wrong attitude. The Devil attacks us, for the most, by working on our attitude. When we develop an indifferent attitude to sin, we move further away from God and walk in disobedience to his will. It is our attitude of selfishness that prevents us from loving others as Jesus commands us to do.
Most marriages fail because of a poor attitude. When a husband or wife begins to develop an attitude of indifference towards each other that sets the tone for conflict, bitterness, emotional resentment, and ultimately separation or divorce. It is our attitude about financial discipline or lack thereof that determines our economic viability. Our attitude about God and the things of God influences the way we serve, the way we worship, the way we love, and the way we live.
The spirit of holiness begins with an attitude of reverence and love for God. In today’s text, Elijah has a new attitude after going through a period of depression. Elijah had done all the right things in his zeal for God. Nevertheless, his life was threatened by Jezebel. His attitude about life and ministry was so negative after Jezebel's threat that he wanted to die. However, after a conversation with Almighty God, he was refreshed and had a new attitude.
Perhaps you are frustrated with your life and ministry because you need a new attitude. Maybe, you need a new attitude about your family, or your job, or your spouse, or your old car, or your house or apartment. Because of his new attitude, Elijah influenced the life of Elisha, who became one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament.
We should not wait and expect other people to adjust their attitudes while we remain stuck on neutral. Many people have become resentful, bitter, jealous, and envious because of a bad attitude. Holiness is an attitude. Rejoicing in the Lord is an attitude.
Unfortunately, many Christians are hindering the spreading of the gospel because of their poor attitude. People do pay attention to our attitude. It is often our attitude that is our greatest testimony.
Most of us know someone whose attitude is so positive that we enjoy talking to that individual and spend time with him or her. Seldom do people seek advice from people with negative attitudes. At the beginning of the year, many people make resolutions about the things they want to change to improve themselves. None of these resolutions can succeed without the right attitude.
Here is what the Bible says about the attitude believers should cultivate:
“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish amid a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14-15)
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:10
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8-9
Prayer- Blessed Lord, please help us to have a new attitude about our service to your kingdom. Give an attitude of justice to oppressors. Let the rich have an attitude of benevolence toward the poor. And, may unbelievers have an attitude of repentance so they can accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.