#248 ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS 10-7-26

Our attitudes shape our actions, and our actions reveal our attitudes. What is happening on the inside will eventually find its way to the outside. Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). The heart is the workshop where attitudes are formed, and life is where they are displayed.

A bitter attitude will eventually produce bitter words. A selfish attitude will produce selfish actions. A grateful heart will find reasons to give thanks even when circumstances are difficult. A loving heart will look for opportunities to serve. Our actions may fool people for a while, but eventually our attitudes will show themselves.

“As he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). That is why Christianity is not merely about changing what we do. God wants to change who we are. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). When we develop the mind of Christ, our actions begin to look more like Christ.

Consider the difference between doing something because we have to and doing it because we want to. The action may look identical, but God sees the heart behind it. We can sing without worshiping, give without loving, serve without caring, and speak without believing.

So today, examine both your attitudes and your actions. Ask not only, “What am I doing?” but also, “Why am I doing it?” Let God transform the heart, and the hands and feet will follow. A right heart will produce a right life.

BDD