Attitude and the Bible
There is not one single occurrence of the word “attitude” in the King James version of the Bible. This does not mean that attitude is not taught in the Bible or is not important. One dictionary definition of attitude is: “a position assumed for a specific purpose”. This is fitting as we have to take a position when it comes to the Word of God. Jesus made this abundantly clear in Matthew 12:30 following the time when some accused Him of casting out devils by the power of Beelzebub. He said: He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. When Jesus said this He knew that not all would have the same attitude toward Him or His Word.
In John 12:46 Jesus stated that He came as a light into the world so that the world could make the choice as to which “position” or “attitude” they would have toward Him and His Word while in this life. Then in John 12:47 He stated His “purpose” for coming to earth and in vs 48 why having the right attitude toward His Word is so important. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. Knowing that Jesus came to be light to man so that man could be saved may help us to understand the “position” Christ took for our benefit as Philippians 2:7-8 tells us. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Christ had the right attitude as He came to do the Will of His Father in heaven. He also set the example for us and we are instructed in Philippians 2:5 to have this same attitude or “mind”. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
This admonition is important because not all have the proper attitude toward the Lord and the purpose for which He died. One excellent example of this is presented to us in Acts 26:9-11 in the life of Saul before his conversion. I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
But one that has an “honest” heart, upon hearing the truth, will be obedient to it and their life will change. Then their attitude toward the Bible should change and be as God would have it. In 2Timothy 3:10 we see the change that was made in Saul (Paul) after he was taught the truth and was obedient to it. His attitude regarding Jesus changed and he then became a diligent supporter and preacher of truth. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,. This too was an example for all to follow that knew Paul.
God would have all to have the same attitude toward truth. The Spirit has given a number of scriptures that show that all should follow God and Christ. Ephesians 5:1 reminds those brethren they were also “dear children” so they were to follow God. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; This means they were to have the right attitude. One cannot follow God and have a wrong attitude toward truth. In 1Thessalonians 1:6, the Thessalonian brethren became followers because they “received the word” even though it may not have been in the best of circumstances. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: There is also the inspired direction to the Corinthian Christians in the first letter the Spirit gave to Paul to write. In 1Corinthians 11:1 we see that they were also given an example in Paul the apostle. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. That means that all should have the same attitude toward the Bible. The Bible is God’s Word.
In Jesus prayer to the Father in John 17:17 He prayed that the apostles be “sanctified” (set apart) by the Word. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Even the apostles and all disciples or (followers) of Christ could not be sanctified through the truth if they did not maintain the proper attitude toward His Word, the Bible. If a right attitude, and obedience toward the Word is maintained, we shall all be blessed, now and when Christ returns.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
