One definition of attitude is “the manner, disposition, feeling, position …; tendency or orientation, especially of the MIND.” So, what is the believer’s ‘manner, disposition, feeling, position ….; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind’- toward our circumstances supposed to be?
I believe the context for gratitude for a believer is grounded in the following truths. Our position is one of being seated with Christ in the heavenlies. (Eph 2:6) If that doesn’t give us a higher perspective, nothing will.
Because of our position in Christ, we are told that we can have the mind of Christ (Phil 2:5).
We are seated with Christ in the heavenlies, given the thoughts and processing of Christ – so we can face and overcome the challenges of our humanity.
That covers position and orientation of the mind. So then what will our disposition, feelings, and tendencies be when we find ourselves in difficult, painful, stressful situations? It will be an attitude of gratitude, “singing to God with Gratitude to God in our hearts” (Col 3:16). It will be one of rejoicing: “rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice (Phil 4:4).
If I find myself with my disposition, feelings, and tendencies not being consistent with an attitude of gratitude, I need to reaffirm my position in Christ and keep those thoughts captive that are not of the mind of Christ. This is not easy; it is an ongoing battle of the mind. But the reward is peace, “the perfect peace that is promised to those whose minds are stayed on Him, because he trusts in Him” (Isaiah 26:3)
~Susan Kewin
Christ Fellowship