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Introduction

As Christians we must grow: 2 Pet. 3:18

We cannot remain “babes” in Christ: 1 Pet. 2:2; 1 Cor. 14:20; 2 Pet. 3:1

This truth was revealed centuries ago in God’s word: Prov. 23:7; Matt. 15:16-20

“Success or failure in any undertaking is caused more by

mental attitude than by mental capacity.”

Dr. Walter Scott, Northwestern University

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by

altering his attitudes of mind.”

Dr. William James

As He Thinketh in His HeartProverbs 23:7

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The Importance of Attitude

Attitude is everything! Prov. 23:7

Christians need a “can do” attitude: Neh. 4:6; Num. 13:30; 1 Sam. 17:26, 32, 37; Phil. 4:13; Eph. 3:20

Does a “can do” attitude describe you? 2 Cor. 13:5

As He Thinketh in His Heart

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Developing a Good Attitude

Must lay a solid foundation: Develop a good attitude toward self: Prov.

23:7

Expect more good than bad from life: 2 Cor. 4:16-17; Ex. 14:15; Prov. 17:22

Make a list of reasons why you CAN grow in the faith: 2 Pet. 1:5; Eph. 3:20

Believe in the power of prayer: 1 Thess. 5:17; Lk. 18:1-8

Visualize yourself growing in the Lord: Phil. 4:8-9

Associate with others with a good attitude: Prov. 12:25-26

As He Thinketh in His Heart

“One does not have a good attitude because of his position in life; he has a

good position in life because he has a good

attitude.”

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Proper Attitudes Toward Goals in Life

As He Thinketh in His Heart

“If we aim at nothing, we are guaranteed to hit it.”

“What the mind can conceive and believe—it can achieve.”

Two people worthy of emulation: Jn. 4:34; 19:30; Phil. 1:21; 3:13-14

Let us be determined: 2 Cor. 5:1-2

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Decide on One Main Goal

As He Thinketh in His Heart

All of us need to decide being a Christian and the goal of heaven is top priority in life: Matt. 16:26; 6:33; 5:6; Phil. 3:12-14

How often do you think about it? Prov. 23:7; Phil. 4:8-9; Prov. 4:23

There are great advantages in setting goals in your life: Phil. 1:21

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Areas to Develop a Good Attitude

As He Thinketh in His Heart

Toward life itself: 1 Pet. 3:10; Deut. 30:19 Life is a gift from God: Gen. 2:7

We are made in God’s image: Gen. 1:26-27

Your life is the target of the devil: Jn. 8:44; 1 Pet. 5:8

Life is full of choices: Josh. 24:15

Live is brief: Jas. 4:14; Gal. 6:7-8; Eccl. 12:1

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Areas to Develop a Good Attitude

As He Thinketh in His Heart

Toward sin: God won’t overlook it: Heb. 5:9;

10:28-31

Separates us from God: Isa. 59:2

Sin is deceptive: Heb. 3:13; 11:25; 1 Cor. 10:12

Sin has consequences: Prov. 13:15; Rom. 6:23; Gal. 6:7

Sin is not inevitable: 1 Cor.. 10:13; 1 Jn. 2:1

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Areas to Develop a Good Attitude

As He Thinketh in His Heart

Toward work: We live in a “the world owes me”

society.

Must work: Eph. 4:28

We have responsibilities: 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Thess. 4:11-12; 2 Thess. 3:10-12

Easy to allow work to make us lose sight and neglect more important things!

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Areas to Develop a Good Attitude

As He Thinketh in His Heart

Toward self: Many have a wrong attitude

toward self.

Don’t think too highly: Rom. 12:3; 2 Cor. 10:18

Don’t exalt self, but believe in self: Phil. 4:13; 2:12

Must deny self: Lk. 9:23; 1 Cor. 9:24-27

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Areas to Develop a Good Attitude

As He Thinketh in His Heart

Toward others: Live in a “me first” society.

Christians must be different: Phil. 2:3-4; 5-8

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Areas to Develop a Good Attitude

As He Thinketh in His Heart

Toward death: “The sun is the same in a relative

way, but you’re older, shorter of breath and one day closer to death.” Time, Pink Floyd

Inevitable appointment: Heb. 9:27

Part of living, part of God’s plan: 2 Cor. 5:1

Death is not to be feared…if: Phil. 1:21

Only one way to be confident: 2 Tim. 4:6-8

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Conclusion

Remember: Attitude shows what we are on the inside.

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

Proverbs 23:7