90% Attitude. 10% Ability.

I used to work for a great pastor who had a peculiar sign hanging on his office door. The sign read, “90% Attitude. 10% Ability.” Over the years, I have given more thought to that message. I believe attitude does make the difference

Learn from a Bible Example – I Corinthians 16:9

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. – 1 Corinthians 16:9

Admittedly, that’s a verse we do not often quote, but notice carefully its words. The apostle Paul said, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, AND there are many adversaries.” (emphasis mine)

Now, let me misquote the verse and see if our point becomes more clear. What if Paul had said, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, BUT there are many adversaries.”

Paul had the right attitude. Sadly, I’ve often been the one who said, “Well, God is going to do great things! We have great opportunities, but there are a lot of problems.” Paul knew problems were part of the territory, yet he just believed God.

Attitude makes the difference.

The Right Attitude Comes from Faith in God – Acts 27:25

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. – Acts 27:25

Let’s take another example from the apostle Paul. When facing shipwreck, his words to the frightened sailors were, “Be of good cheer.” Imagine telling someone whose plane is falling out of the sky, whose boat is headed for rocks, whose house is on fire, whose bank account is bone dry, whose health is failing, whose children are rebelling, or whose life is spinning out of control to “Be of good cheer”!

Where does one get such an attitude? He got it from believing God!

Notice Paul’s words, “…Be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” In that story, God had told Paul that the ship would wreck but their lives would be spared. Paul was saying his happiness and cheer was coming from faith in God’s word.

By the way, God still keeps His promises.

Choose to Believe God’s Promises Today – Psalm 55:22

Maybe your attitude is dour and sour. Maybe you need some help. Your help comes from the Lord. Will you trust Him with your burdens? Will you seek Him for the answer? Will you allow His promises to be your strength?

Let God give you a promise, and let it shape your very attitude this day!