New Year, New You

A New Attitude Towards Others

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)

Ephesians 4:17-24

…to be made new in the attitude of your minds… (Ephesians 4:23 NIV)

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27a)

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5 NIV)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up.” (John Maxwell)

“The greatest day in your spiritual life is when you take total responsibility for your attitude. That’s the day you begin the journey of spiritual maturity.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

The biggest component of happiness is how connected you are to others. (National Opinion Research Center)

Primary Components of a Happy Life:

The number of friends you have
The closeness of your friends
The closeness of your family
The relationships you have with co-workers and neighbors

(A Model-Free Approach to the Study of Subjective Well Being)

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1 NIV)

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35 NIV)

The bottom line is the Christian life isn’t just a vertical relationship between you and God; it also involves our relationships with others.

We need relationships with others.

We need to improve our attitude toward others for the purpose of living out God’s will with regard to relationships and friendships.

1. Be Accepting

Acceptance isn’t the same as approval – you can accept someone without approving of everything they do.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7 NIV)

“accept” in Romans 15:7 is proslambano; its meaning is: “to receive someone with kindness.”

2. Pay Attention

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (James 1:19 NIV)

3. Serve Someone

…rather, serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13b NIV)

…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, (Matthew 20:26 NIV)

What would 2020 look like for you if you decided to make serving others a priority in your life?

4. Show Appreciation

I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. (2 Timothy 1:3-4 NIV)

Make a list of the most important people in your life and then think of a way you can express your appreciation to them.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV)

A New Attitude Towards Others Pastor Chris Philbeck

Share