The Flog – The Fabry Log

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”

How many times as a kid did I hear something about my attitude? “Your attitude needs to change, young man.” “Your attitude really stinks!” “What’s with the attitude?”

How many times as a father have I said something about my children’s attitude? “Don’t give me that attitude.” “If you don’t change your attitude, I’ll change it for you!”

In the first few verses of Philippians 2, Paul sets the bar at an amazing height. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Consider others better than yourselves. This is impossible stuff. I might be able to do it for ten seconds, but to do that consistently?? Come on!

I know. I need to change my attitude.

So how do I do it?

Can I change my own attitude? Isn’t that kind of like crucifying myself? You can’t crucify yourself, you need help.

Exactly. We need help to change our attitude. But we play a part in the process.

Read Philippians 2:1-4 and look for ways you choose to follow the example of Jesus and ways that God works. For example, we can strive for unity but only God can give us the love that unites our hearts. Write your thoughts about this concept.

Now look at verse 5. The description of Jesus follows in verses 6-11, his history, his death, burial, and resurrection, and the effects of his humility and “emptying.” But stay with verse 5 for the rest of your time alone with God.

Ask him now to show you how you need to change your attitude. Is it with your spouse? Your children? Your parents? Your boss or co-workers? Maybe it’s your attitude toward God himself. Pray now and ask God to show you how your attitude needs to change. Then ask God to help you do that.

Father, I want to change. I want to be more like Jesus. I want you to be glorified in my life. But I need your work in my heart in order to do that. Help me make the choices necessary now to change my attitude. Do a work in me that makes me more like your Son. And help me today to see the effects of that in my relationships. And as I see my attitude change to one that is more like your Son, help me to remember this is your work in me so I might praise you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.