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Hey, this is Larry Staton. I send a blog post out to WSU TF XC athletes who have given me permission to do so. It is a faith based blog with the purpose of providing inspiration and motivation around topics related to Division 1 athletics.

I have pasted a sample below. If you DO NOT wish to receive subsequent emails, please REPLY with a NO THANK YOU. No worries. Otherwise, I try to post weekly on the weekend. — Larry

DEALING WITH OUR “DNA”

Most of us have a natural penchant to lean more towards the negative in our thinking than we do toward the positive. There are very few of us who are really able to maintain a predominantly positive attitude throughout each day. Our natural leanings are toward the negative side and we have to deal with our “DNA”, that “Darn Negative Attitude”.

You guys have just finished your first week back at school. It’s a great time to refocus to look ahead, to plan and dream. There is no room for that negative attitude at this crucial part of the year.  You’ve taken math courses, right?  Well, what would happen if you were not to listen to the professor for the first two weeks and just sit and sulk in the class because you had to take MATH? 

How far behind would you fall in the class? Could you ever make that up?  Learning mathematics is built upon a progressive scale of learning.  If you miss out on the first key concepts, you will not be able to make sense of those that follow. 

Attitude is everything! It shapes our thoughts, directs our actions, and ultimately determines the course of our lives. The Bible, rich in wisdom and truth, provides us with powerful insights on the kind of attitude that pleases God and brings blessing into our lives. What is the Biblical perspective on attitude? How we can align our hearts and minds with God’s will.

1. The Example of Christ: Our primary example of a Godly attitude is Jesus Christ. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul writes, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Christ’s attitude was marked by humility, obedience, and selflessness. Although He was equal with God, He did not cling to His divine privileges but chose to humble Himself and serve humanity. This attitude of humility is one that we are called to imitate in our own lives.  Can you find any negativity in that kind of attitude?  So, a positive attitude begins with humility.

2. The Attitude of Gratitude: A key aspect of battling a negative attitude is gratitude. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul urges, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It helps us to see God’s goodness and faithfulness in every situation, even in times of difficulty.

When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we open ourselves to experiencing God’s peace and joy. A thankful attitude also draws us closer to God, as it acknowledges His sovereignty and grace in our lives. What better thoughts to fuel a positive outlook?

3. The Attitude of Faith: Faith is another crucial element in dealing with a negative attitude. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

A faith-filled attitude trusts in God’s promises and believes in His power to work all things for good. It does not waver in the face of trials but remains steadfast, knowing that God is in control. This kind of attitude is not based on what we see but on the assurance of God’s character and His Word.

Our attitude shapes our lives in profound ways. A godly attitude, modeled after Christ, is one of humility, gratitude and faith.  It is an attitude that seeks to honor God in all things and to serve others with a pure heart.

Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us cultivate this kind of attitude in our daily lives. As we do, we will experience the fullness of God’s blessing and become effective witnesses of His love and grace to the world.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the example of Jesus Christ, who showed us what it means to have a Godly attitude. Help us to follow His example in humility, gratitude and faith. Transform our hearts and minds so that we may reflect Your character in all that we do. May our attitude bring glory to Your name and draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.