7 Mindsets: Attitude of Gratitude toward God

During the months of November and December, my kids were learning about an attitude of gratitude as set forth in the Seven Mindsets curriculum at their public schools.  This is a very good subject to address especially in today's entitled culture.  And as Christians, we need to go one more step to refocus our attitude and gratitude in the right direction.

The first point is to "Treasure Yourself." The students are told to, "Create the fantastic life you want by cultivating the great things within yourself."  On the other hand, Scripture  tells us to "delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart."  Students are also told to recognize that they are a treasure.  This is true because of Psalm 119 where the psalmist explains how wonderfully we are made by God.  Letting this amazing treasure shine should not be about living an extraordinary life but about glorifying God in Heaven when others see your life according to Mathew 5:16.

Second, it is better to be more grateful than giving our attention to the negatives in life.  Whichever you select as your focus will multiply.  Philippians 4:8 gives an excellent list of suggestions for our focus: whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy.

Third, saying, "Thank you," is powerful.  Seven Mindsets says that using those two words makes you and the other person feel good.  Even more happens when we tell God, "Thank you."  In Luke 17, all ten lepers were physically healed.  Only one had a spiritual healing when he returned to Jesus and praised Him and thanked Him.

Finally, elevating your perspective will transform your attitude when you face any situation whether positive or negative.  The Apostle Paul lists his struggles in 2 Corinthians 11, and yet he was also able to write an entire letter of joy to the Philippians from his jail cell.  The Apostle James tells us to consider us to consider it joy to have trials because of the positive things it produces.

Being grateful is extremely important, and when we keep our focus clearly set on God above and in our hearts, then our perspective of circumstances changes to allow us to be joyful and even thankful for many circumstances.