How's Your Attitude In A Crisis?

"Spiritual strongholds begin with a thought. One thought becomes a consideration. A consideration develops into an attitude, which leads then to action. Action repeated becomes a habit, and a habit establishes a "power base for the enemy," that is, a stronghold."   - Elisabeth Elliot

"What is your attitude like when facing a crisis?" I've chosen this question as the topic of my message today. Hopefully, you might put some honest thought into this question. It's not an easy question to answer. The fact is, most of us won't truly see what kind of  "attitude" we have until we're actually in a stressful situation.

Someone once made the observation that the mortality rate is the same all over the world: one death per person. In Luke 8:41-42; 49-56, we read about a young woman who died. To this young woman's father, this was a crisis! Although we might think we know a lot about death and how to handle it; the death of someone we love remains a critical event.

Reviewing the story of the young woman's death teaches us important lessons that can help in times of crises. I would like to point out at least four of these that are found within the narrative. Let us call the first attitude the "attitude of the fatalist."

You might be familiar with the hollow ring of this one. This attitude is exempified by such thoughts as; "What's the use of bothering anyone? What's done is done." Or. "That's it! It's hopeless. It's done!" This type of attitude, and pessimistic thinking is telling us that this world is hopeless.

I will call the next attitude, the "attitude of the father." Faced with the loss of his only child, the father in our story did not go into "panic mode." Nor, did he feel like a victim of despair. He remained open to assistance (Luke 8:41). People can be helped only if the are open to it. An open mind and heart gives God a chance to step in and help.

Let's call the third attitude, "the attitude of the friends." Honestly, Peter, James, and John probably had some strong doubts as they followed Jesus inside the father's home (Luke 8:51). Even so, I surmise that they were present, or thoughtfully aware of the situation, and were sympathetic to it. This provides us with an excellent demonstration of the supportive power that can be had by sharing the load with friends.

I call our final attitude, "the attitude of the Friend." Of course, the friend is Jesus Christ, who has the best attitude of all! While speaking about the girl's condition, he refers to her as "sleeping," and not "dead." Death is referenced in this way many times in the New Testament (Luke 8:52).

Many have debated this point, but for our purposes let's follow this train of thought. Jesus is telling us here that sleep means "relief." Our troubles and cares melt away like the fading day. It means "rest." Our weary body, mind, and soul finally rests in that sleep. It means "refreshment." Think about how you feel upon awakening after a good, solid night's sleep.

And last, but most importantly, sleep means "ressurection." We lie down to rise up in that great Morning that will greet us! (Luke 8:54-55) Much of the way we live life is a product of our "attitude." I encourage each and every one of you to strive for the mind of Christ. Pray that we may have his attitude no matter what crises we might encounter in our lives.

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15; Proverbs 17:22; James 4:10; Colossians 3:17; Hebrews 13:15    

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I pray for an attitude such as yours to help me through my day. I am weak, and easily swayed by negative thoughts and episodes. May your loving and merciful hands lift and refresh me when I find myself starting to stumble. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Kasey