Positive Attitudes for a Christian to Follow

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (ESV)

Paul the Apostle gives excellent advice for the Christian in these verses. With pertinent and short statements, he gives straightforward and clear advice concerning attitudes a Christian should practice daily to live a victorious life in Chris.

First is “rejoice always.” Is it possible for the Christian to have a joy-filled heart no matter what the circumstances? How can this be? When troubles come, when adversity is a constant companion? How can one rejoice always?

We do not depend on our circumstances to bring us the joy Paul writes about. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and comes from knowing Jesus, not from our circumstances or the conditions we face in life. Remembering this truth, we can truly “rejoice always!”

Praying without ceasing suggests a mental attitude of prayerfulness. We should walk so closely to God that we can commune with Him about anything at any time. In our prayers, we also give thanks, knowing that even difficult circumstances help us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As a Christian, I should live a prayer-filled life and one that gives thanks to God consistently and regularly. Alfred Lord Tennyson, noted English poet, wrote, “More things are wrought through prayer than this world dreams of.” In our praying, we should be regular, consistent and thankful.

A wonderful Christian hymn written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1856-1922) tells us:

“Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God hath done;

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings see what God hath done.

Thank You, Lord, that You give us deep-seated joy from Your Spirit living within us. We thank You for joy, peace and salvation. Let us count our blessings and rejoice always over what You, Lord, accomplish in our life yielded to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. - Ethelene Dyer Jones 03.26.2017