Key Verse to Read and Treasure:

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had—Philippians 2:5 (NLT)

For Insight

I remember the New Year’s Day my brother-in-law rang the doorbell when it was just barely light outside. He danced in and began to fill our house with lots of energy and laughter as he belted out Patti LaBelle’s hit song, “I’ve Got a New Attitude.” It was a fun—albeit early—start to a brand-new year. As we enjoyed an early breakfast and listened to him talk, we understood why he was adopting a new attitude.

Paul wrote we need to have the same attitude that Jesus had. Christ’s attitude was one of humility. Paul went on to say that though Jesus was God he did not think of himself as equal to God but clothed in flesh Jesus became a servant of God (see Philippians 2:5-8). Being a humble servant of God the Father was Jesus’ free will and choice.       

As you begin a new year is there something you need to have a new or changed attitude about? As you think about your life’s circumstances, relationships, the direction your life is going, your work or ministry, could you use a new attitude? You might already have an attitude of humility but perhaps you could adopt an attitude of hopefulness, or one that reflects your trust in God. An attitude that reflects courage and determination that you can do all things—even the most difficult things before you—with the help of Jesus Christ.  

We are not God, as Jesus was/is, but we can adopt an attitude that reflects his nature. Sometimes a new attitude is just the thing we need to be able to gain a new perspective on an old problem or introduce a feeling of hopefulness into the atmosphere. A new attitude might be exactly what’s needed to receive that blessing God has been holding onto for us.

Jesus, may we have that much needed new attitude especially as we begin a brand new year. Amen

Attainable Goal: What area of your life will benefit from a new or change of attitude? What is one thing you will do to begin cultivating a new attitude?