C A R L B. G A R N E R

HAD AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT LATELY?

Every segment of our culture sees the significance of having the right attitude toward life, profession, health and others. Just as "location" is a major consideration in the real estate business, "attitude" is important in this life. The reason? Your attitude will determine how you go about the daily activities of life. In your job, for example, if your attitude is right, your actions are likely to be right. In service to God, an informed attitude is also critical. When combined with righteous action, attitude becomes a major factor in your eternal destiny.

The Christians in Galatia needed an "attitude adjustment." They had been doing well, but someone had hindered them, 5:7. They needed to be warned about the "works of the flesh," 5:19-21, and were told that if they kept on practicing that kind of life-style, they could not "inherit the kingdom of God," 5:21. The attitude they needed (and we too) is found in Galatians 5:22-23, "the fruit of the Spirit." The following describes the fruit borne by those who are "led by the Spirit," 5:18.

LOVE"³Love is the soil from which many virtues spring." The way we treat others is usually determined by how we regard them. There is no question that God has commanded that we "Love One Another," John 15:12. Such love (agape) is "an unselfish affection for another that seeks their ultimate good; unconquerable benevolence." Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another," John 13:35. Without sowing and reaping in love, the other elements of the fruit will neither flourish nor survive.

JOY
This is not the joy of getting a new car or catching the big fish. It is not used to describe the physical joys, but those that are founded in the love of God and Christ. It is the joy of seeing others come into fellowship with God. It is the joy of knowing our sins are forgiven and that we have the hope of eternal life. Too many of us fail to exhibit this fruit in our life, and as a result we fail to "shine as lights" in this world. Our children need to see this fruit borne in our lives. Our neighbors need to observe this trait in us. Joy!

PEACE
Jesus promises peace, but not the kind the world gives, John 14:27. It is definitely not just the absence of conflict, but it is the ability to be at peace in the midst of conflict. The peace Jesus offers will provide all that makes for man's best and highest good. Conflicts are seldom coveted, but they can bring strength to us just when strength is needed most. That is when we must exhibit this fruit of the Spirit; when we face our most difficult task. Peace!

LONGSUFFERING
It is not uncommon for one to have a measure of peace and joy, yet be envious when others enjoy a similar blessing. The word in Greek implies both forbearance and steadfastness; patience and perseverance. It is the quality of "staying the course in the midst of trouble," combined with being longsuffering with others who are going through similar difficulties. We are grateful for the fact of God's forbearance toward us, Romans 2:4, and we must show the same quality to others who seek to serve Him.

MEEKNESS, GENTLENESS
Where longsuffering is passive, kindness is active. The blending of kindness, gentleness and strength may be uncommon, but that is just what these words imply. Meekness is used to describe one who is strong, yet who exhibits great gentleness. There is a temptation to deviate from that which is right in order to do what others think is kind. But true kindness does not militate against truth and right. We must always be strong, but in that strength we must develop kind and benevolent attitudes toward those who are weak or lack knowledge.

GOODNESS
It would be correct to say that goodness is doing what is right, and kindness is doing what is right in the right way. Goodness is a quality attributed to both God and man, 2 Thessalonians 2:11, Romans 15:14. The greatest deed of kindness we can express is to teach others the Lord¹s way, and to keep our brethren in that way. It would be the deepest lack of kindness withhold rebuke when that is needed; or refuse to teach truth on a needed subject because someone does not want to hear it. Such is neither goodness nor kindness.

FAITHFULNESS
This is the quality of loyalty and fidelity to a cause or to a person. This is dependability and being true to one's convictions. An automobile that is no more reliable than some Christians would be useless to all of us. Employees who are available for work only three days out of five will not likely keep their position very long. Similarly, fidelity to Christ is naturally expected of every Christian.

SELF CONTROL
In all these elements of the fruit of the Spirit we see a common attitude. Each anticipates the other, and is enhanced by the other. The quality of self-control, or the lack thereof, can either enhance or destroy these other traits. Someone who is kind and longsuffering must also be right in their actions or they risk leading others astray. Those who cannot control their passions cannot truly lead others in the way of Christ. Self-control is the ability to reject Satan's temptations even when they are most enticing. Felix "trembled" at Paul's preaching on this subject, Acts 24:25, and Peter wrote that this quality of self-control is desperately needed in the character of every Christian, 2 Peter 2:16. What about your attitude? Is it in need of an "adjustment?"