At one point as a high school teacher, I thought teenagers were the ones who needed an attitude adjustment. Whenever certain students didn’t get their way, a scene would ensue, usually huffing and puffing their way into a tizzy. Yet, as a coach for nearly two decades now, some parents model bad attitudes which their children often adopt.
After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them, Acts 16:23, 25.
In some cases, people have the right to complain. Especially, for those who have been accused or blamed for an act without a trial to prove their innocence. However, the apostle Paul teaches those who over-react an important life lesson. After being imprisoned for freeing a slave from her greedy masters, Paul turns to the only One who can maintain his temper. In the face of adversity, Paul leaned on prayer and worship to calm his emotions.
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want, Galatians 5:17.
Based upon a letter written to the church at Galatia, the apostle Paul dealt with the source behind bad attitudes. Human nature tends to feed on acts of the flesh which take the form of immoral behavior. While some are considered worse than others, each of the fruits of this sinful nature can poison the attitudes of good people. In view of these invisible forces, follow in the footsteps of Paul by turning your heart and minds toward prayer and worship. By doing this you will be on your way toward completing a spiritual attitude adjustment.
by Jay Mankus