C BOSTIAN THE FEAST OF PENTECOST MAY 22, 1994

C. BOSTIAN ATTITUDES THAT BLOCK SEPT.21, 2004

PERSONAL GROWTH:

Eph 4:20-24

20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Phil 2:2-11

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1 Kings 11:9-11

9 The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 10 Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD's command. 11 So the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.

ATTITUDES PLAY A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN OUR LIFE AND CAN OFTEN DETERMINE WHETHER WE ARE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS, IN A CAREER OR IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS. WEBSTER DEFINES ATTITUDE AS THE POSTURE OR POSITION OF A PERSON SHOWING A MENTAL STATE, EMOTION OR MOOD. AN attitude is an inward feeling expressed by behavior. IT IS THE MANNER OF ACTING, FEELING OR THINKING THAT SHOWS UP IN A PERSON’S DISPOSITION AND BEHAVIOR. IN FACT AN ATTITUDE IS A PERSON’S DISPOSITION OR OPINION. THE GREEK WORD FOR ATTITUDE IS: phroneo (fron-eh'-o); from NT:5424; to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively, to interest oneself in - set the affection on, TO regard, savour, think ABOUT SOMETHING. SO WE COULD CONCLUDE THAT A PERSON’S ATTITUDE IS DEVELOPED BY THE THINGS WHICH THEY ARE THINKING ABOUT OR PERCEIVING. IF OUR PERCEPTION IS WRONG OR OUR OPINIONS ARE WRONG OR OUR THOUGHTS ABOUT SOMETHING ARE WRONG THEN MOST LIKELY OUR ATTITUDES WILL ALSO BE WRONG.

Have you ever met someone who needed an ‘attitude’ Adjustment’? IF YOU’VE GOT TEENAGERS YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN! BUT, Have you ever needed an ‘attitude adjustment’? Some of us feel like the grandfather whose grandchildren played a practical joke on HIM .Each afternoon Grandpa would lie down for a nap. One day, as a practical joke, the kids decided to put Limburger cheese in his moustache. Quite soon he awoke sniffing. “Why, this room stinks,” he exclaimed as he got up and went out into the kitchen. He wasn’t there long until he decided that the kitchen smelled too, so he walked outdoors for a breath of fresh air. Much to Grandpa’s surprise, the open air brought no relief, and he proclaimed, “The whole world stinks!” BUT DAVID LEARNED TO PRAY NOT ONLY ABOUT HIS WORDS BUT ALSO HIS THOUGHTS IN:

Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

A MAN WENT TO THE DOCTOR AND SAID I THINK I’M GONNA DIE. THE DOCTOR SAID WHAT’S WRONG. WHEN I TOUCH MY HEAD IT HURTS. WHEN I TOUCH MY CHEST IT HURTS. WHEN I TOUCH MY HIPS THEY HURT AND WHEN I TOUCH MY FEET IT HURTS REAL BAD. SO THE DOCTOR BEGAN HIS EXAMINATION, HE RAN SOME TESTS AND DID SOME EXRAYS. HE CAME BACK AND TOLD THE MAN, YOU’RE NOT GONNA DIE YOU GOT A BROKEN FINGER. YOU SEE, THIS MAN’S PERCEPTION OF WHAT WAS WRONG WITH HIM PRODUCED A FATALISTIC ATTITUDE: I THINK I’M GONNA DIE. SO WHAT WE THINK ABOUT OFTEN DETERMINES OUR ATTITUDE.

SO THIS MORNING I WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT ATTITUDES THAT CAN BLOCK PERSONAL GROWTH. NOW I’M NOT SUGGESTING THAT ANY OF YOU HAVE SOME OF THESE ATTITUDES BUT YOU SHOULD BE CAREFUL TO AVOID THEM AT ALL COSTS CAUSE THEY CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUCCESS OR FAILURE IN YOUR LIFE, IN YOUR BUSINESS, IN YOUR CAREER AND IN YOUR RELASTIONSHIPS.

YOU HEARD ABOUT THE monk WHO joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. After the first 10 years his superior called him in and asked, "Do you have anything to say?" The monk replied, "Food bad." After another 10 years the monk again had opportunity to voice his thoughts. He said, "Bed hard." Another 10 years went by and again he was called in before his superior. When asked if he had anything to say, he responded, "I quit." HIS SUPERIOR REPLIED, "It doesn’t surprise me a bit. You’ve done nothing but complain ever since you got here." SO LET’S LOOK AT THE FIRST ATTITUDE THAT CAN BLOCK PERSONAL GROWTH:

1. THE FIRST ATTITUDE IS AN UNWILLINGNESS TO DISCONNECT FROM WRONG PEOPLE. YOU WANT HELP AND YOU WANT TO GROW BUT YOU KEEP HANGING AROUND THE PEOPLE THAT DRAG YOU DOWN.

1 Cor 15:33-34

33 Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God-I say this to your shame.

SO WHO YOU ARE CONNECTED TO IN LIFE WILL EITHER EMPOWER YOU OR WEAKEN YOUR LIFE. JOSHUA WAS CONNECTED TO MOSES AND WAS EMPOWERED TO LEAD. SAMSON GOT CONNECTED TO DELILAH AND WAS WEAKENED. WHOEVER YOU ARE CONNECTED TO WILL EITHER WEAKEN YOUR OR STRENGTHEN YOU AND EMPOWER YOUR LIFE. SO WHERE THERE’S A MAJOR WEAKNESS IN YOU LIFE CHECK YOUR CONNECTIONS. YOU CAN’T STAY CONNECTED TO WRONG PEOPLE AND GET A GOOD RESULT. GOD WON’T DIRECT YOU WITH A FOOL…AMEN? JONAH WAS RUNNING FROM THE LORD AND GOT ON A BOAT. A STORM CAME UP THAT THREATENED THE SHIP AND THE SAILORS THREW JONAH OVERBOARD AND THE STORM IMMEDIATELY STOPPED. SOME OF YOU NEED TO THROW SOME RELATIONSHIPS OVERBOARD AND YOUR STORM WOULD STOP TOO BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN BRING A WHILRWIND OF MISERY INTO YOUR LIFE. SO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIFE AND HANG AROUND SMART PEOPLE AND YOU’LL BE SMART. BUT IF YOU HANG AROUND DISHONEST PEOPLE OR PERMISCUOUS PEOPLE OR MEDIOCERE PEOPLE THEN YOU WILL NEVER REACH ANY LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN YOUR LIFE. YOU SEE WHEN YOU HANG AROUND THE WRONG PEOPLE YOU’LL START THINKING LIKE THEM. YOU’LL START ACTING LIKE THEM AND PRETTY SOON YOU HAVE A BAD ATTITUDE JUST LIKE THEM. SO BE CAREFUL WHO YOU HANG AROUND.

2. IF YOU HAVE A BAD ATTITUDE ABOUT APPROVEN ACHIEVERS YOU WILL NEVER ACHIEVE ANYTHING IN LIFE. YOU WILL NOT ATTRACT WHAT YOU DON’T RESPECT. IF YOU DON’T RESPECT ACHIEVERS THEN YOU WON’T ATTRACT ANY INTO YOUR LIFE. AN APPROVEN ACHIEVER IS SOMEONE WHO HAS BECOME SUCCESSFUL IN AN AREA OF THEIR LIFE. MOST OF THE TIME WERE JEALOUS BUT WHEN YOU GET OVER IT YOU CAN LEARN A GREAT DEAL FROM THAT PERSON. SO, IS THE MENTOR OR THE CHOSEN ADVISOR FOR YOUR LIFE AN APPROVED ACHIEVER? IF YOUR MOTHER HAD FIVE DIVORCES I WOULDN’T WANT TO GET HER ADVISE ON HOW TO HAVE A GOOD MARRIAGE. NOW YOU HONOR HER AS YOUR MOM BUT SHE CAN’T BE YOUR MAJOR MARITAL ADVISOR. NOW IF YOU HAVE A FATHER THAT CAN’T HANDLE MONEY VERY WELL YOU’RE NOT GOING TO GO TO HIM FOR ANY FINANCIAL ADVISE. SO YOU CANNOT FIND HELP IF YOU DO NOT HAVE RESPECT FOR PROVEN ACHIEVERS.

IF A YOUNG PASTOR IS TRING TO BUILD A MINISTRY BUT HIS MENTOR WHO IS OLDER THAN HIM HASN’T BUILT ANYTHING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD BUT HAS ALWAYS JUST WORKED UNDER SOMEBODY ELSE WOULD BE A POOR ADVISOR FOR HIM. HE SHOULD SEEK OUT A MENTOR WHO HAS A SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY AND LEARN FROM HIM. THE SAME APPLIES IN BUSINESS, IN YOUR CAREER AND IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS. LOOK FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE ACHIEVED SOME LEVEL OF SUCCESS AND HANG AROUND THEM AND ASK THEM QUESTIONS.

Prov 1:20-22

20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:

22 "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?

Prov 4:6-9

6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.

Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."

Prov.2:1-6

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, 3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom,and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

NIV

YOU SEE MOST OF THE TIME WE’RE DISPLAYING A BAD ATTITUDE ABOUT PROVEN ACHIEVERS AND WE CUT OURSELF OFF FROM THEIR WISE COUNSEL. LISTEN FOR TRUTH, LISTEN FOR WISDOM BUT NEVER TELL AN APPROVED ACHIEVER WHAT YOU’RE GONNA DO CAUSE THEIR NOT INTERESTED. LISTEN FOR PRINCIPLES AND SHUT UP AND TAKE NOTES. HE’S THE ACHIEVER AND YOU’RE THE LEARNER. SO CORRECT YOUR ATTITUDE ABOUT THEM AND BE OPEN TO THEIR WISE COUNSEL. SOMEONE ONCE SAID YOU WILL NEVER LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO MAKE ALL THE MISTAKES SO LEARN FROM THE MISTAKES OF OTHERS. YOU CAN ASK A PROVEN ACHIEVER WHAT HE WOULD NOT DO AGAIN IF HE HAD IT TO DO ALL OVER. JUST COME WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND SHOW A LITTLE RESPECT AND YOU CAN LEARN A LOT FROM A PROVEN ACHIEVER.

Prov 29:23

23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

James 4:6

6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Pet 5:5-6

5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

WHEN YOU WANT SOME IMPUT FROM AN APPROVEN ACHIEVER OR A SUCCESSFUL PERSON YOU NEED TO HUMBLE YOURSELF BEFORE THEM AND THEY WILL GLADLY OFFER YOU THE ADVISE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. YOU MAY EVEN GET AROUND SOMEONE YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH IN PRINCIPLE OR DOCTRINE BUT THEY HAVE ACHIEVED A LEVEL OF SUCCESS AND KNOW HOW TO DO SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE YET TO ACHIEVE. SO YOU HUMBLE YOURSELF BEFORE THEM AND SHOW THEM A LITTLE RESPECT AND THEY WILL GLADLY DIVULGE THE INFORMATION YOU’RE LOOKING FOR. YOU MAY EVEN NEED TO SERVE THEM IN SOME WAY OR BUY THEM LUNCH. SO YOU HAVE TO HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE TOWARDS AN APPROVEN ACHIEVER OR SOMEONE WHO IS SUCCESSFUL IN WHAT YOU WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE.

Prov 13:20

20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.

WHEN IT COME TO HANGING AROUND PEOPLE THAT CAN BUILD ME UP AND ADD SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT TO ME I’M NOT LOOKING FOR RACE, OR COLOR OR STATUS. I’M LOOKING FOR STUPID AND IF I FIND IT I’M ON PURPOSE NOT GOING TO HANG WITH YOU. YOU HANG WITH A FOOL AND YOU WILL BE DESTROYED. SO HANG AROUND WISE PEOPLE AND RESPECT AN APROVEN ACHIEVER CAUSE THEY MIGHT JUST ACCIDENTALLY SHARE SOMETHING WITH YOU THAT CAN MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE, IN YOUR BUSINESS OR IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.

3. YOU CAN’T RECEIVE HELP FROM SOMEONE IF YOU HAVE AN ATTITUDE THAT THEY ARE UNQUALIFIED TO HELP YOU. WHEN JESUS CAME TO HIS OWN HOME TOWN THEY COULDN’T RECEIVE HIM AS A PROPHET BUT ONLY AS THE LITTLE BOY WHO GREW UP IN JOSEPH’S CARPENTER SHOP. SO HE COULDN’T DO MANY MIRACLES THERE BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T THINK HE WAS SENT FROM GOD AND QUALIFIED TO MINISTER TO THEM.

Matt 13:54-58

54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? 57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. 58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

THE SCRIPTURE TELLS US THAT JESUS CAME UNTO HIS OWN BUT HIS OWN RECEIVED HIM NOT. THAT WAS ESPECIALLY TURE WHEN JESUS WENT HOME TO VISIT THE FOLKS. THEY DIDN’T THINK HE WAS QUALIFIED TO SPEAK TO THEM SO THEY MISSED THEIR VISITATION. YOU CAN’T RECEIVE HELP FROM SOMEONE IF YOU FEEL THEY ARE UNQUALFIED TO HELP YOU. YOU CAN FIND IMPERFECTIONS IN ANYBODY IF YOU LOOK CLOSE ENOUGH BUT GOD MAY HAVE ORDAINED THEM TO SPEAK INTO YOUR LIFE BUT IF YOU WRITE THEM OFF AS UNQUALIFIED. YOU WILL MISS YOU VISITATION OR YOUR WORD FROM GOD THAT YOU NEED FOR DIRECTION OR SUCCESS IN YOUR LIFE.

4. YOU CAN’T RECEIVE HELP FROM SOMEONE IF YOU HAVE THE ATTITUDE THAT YOU WANT WHAT THEY HAVE BUT YOU DON’T WANT THEIR ADVISE. SOME OF THESE ARE JUST REAL COMMON SENSE BUT THESE BAD ATTITUDES CAN BE REAL SUBTLE AND RESTRICT US FROM PERSONAL GROWTH. YOU CAN’T RECEIVE HELP FROM SOMONE AND THAT MAY BE MONEY, IT MAY BE INFLUENCE, IT COULD BE POPULARITY, A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OR SOME PRIVILEGES YOU ENJOY, IF YOU DON’T WANT THEIR ADVICE. THEY WANT WHAT YOU HAVE BUT THEY DON’T WANT WHAT’S IN YOUR MIND OR IN YOUR HEART. THEY DON’T WANT PRINCIPLES OF WISDOM.

SOSLOMON HAD A SON BY THE NAME OF REHOBOM. NOW SOLOMON WAS THE WISEST KING IN ALL OF ISRAEL’S HISTORY. HE HAD DONE MORE TO EXPAND THE KINGDOM IN SIZE, WEALTH AND INFLUENCE THAN ANY OTHER KING IN ISRAEL. REHOBOM WAS NEXT IN LINE TO BE KING AND WHEN HIS FATHER SOLOMON DIED HE TOOK OVER. ONE OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH HIS REIGN WAS THAT HE DIDN’T WANT ANY OF HIS FATHER’S BEST ADVISORS TO SERVE ON HIS CABINET AND THE KIGDOM BEGAN TO DECLINE. YOU SEE, HE WANTED WHAT HIS FATHER HAD BUT HE DIDN’T WANT HIS ADVISE. SO HE REJECTED HIS FATHER’S ADVISORS AND TOOK ADVISE FROM A WICKED MAN NAMED AHIPATHEL AND SPLIT THE KINGDOM. WHAT A FOOL. SOLOMON WASN’T SUCCESSFUL JUST BECAUSE OF HIS OWN WISDOM BUT HE ALSO HAD A STAFF OF ADVISORS. I’M GONNA SAY SOMETHING THAT YOU MIGHT NOT EXPECT ME TO SAY AS A CHRISTIAN BECAUSE I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT CHRISTIANITY PER SAY I’M TALKING ABOUT LEADERSHIP. WE’VE SEEN PRESIDENT’S FROM THE ACTOR RONALD REGAN TO THE GOVERNORS LIKE THE WRESTLER JESSIE VENTURA BE SUCCESSFUL IN POLITICS. WE’VE SEEN EVERYTHING FROM AN ACTOR TO A JACKASS BE SUCCESSFUL IN POLITICS BECAUSE THEY HAVE SURROUNDED THEMSELVES WITH WISE PEOPLE WHO CAN GIVE THEM SOME SOUND ADVISE. THE SECRET ISN’T WHAT YOU KNOW IT’S THE PEOPLE YOU TAKE ADISE FROM. THAT’S WHAT WILL MAKE YOU GREAT. I NEED TO TELL YOU THAT THERE IS NO ONE SINGLE INDIVIDUAL ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH THAT RUNS FOR THE PRESIDENCY THAT KNOW’S EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC AFFAIRS, ECONOMIC POLICIES OR NATIONAL SECURITY WHO DOES NOT SURROUND HIMSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO DO KNOW MORE THAN HE DOES IN SPECIFIC AREAS. SO HE LOOK FOR QUALIFIED PEOPLE, WHO MAY KNOW MORE THAN HE DOES TO ADVICE HIM. YOU SEE, OUR MAJOR PROBLEM IS THAT OUR PRIDE GETS IN THE WAY AND WE DISMISS PEOPLE THAT ARE REALLY QUALIFIED TO SPEAK INTO OUR LIVES. SO WE CAN’T RECEIVE HELP FROM SOMEONE IF WE WANT WHAT THEY HAVE BUT WE DON’T WANT THEIR ADVICE, THEIR HEART, THEIR MID OR THEIR EXPERTICE. REHOBOM WASN’T OPEN TO RECEIVE WISE COUNSEL FROM HIS FATHER’S CABINET OF ADVISORS SO HE LOST THE KINGDOM IN THE END. YOU SEE, MOST PEOPLE DON’T WANT YOUR ADVICE THEY JUST WANT TO WASTE YOUR TIME. WHETHER ITS ABOUT MONEY, MARRIAGE, BUSINESS OR CHILDREN THEY JUST WANT RELIEF THEY DON’T WANT YOU WISDOM THAT CAN HELP THEM OUT OF THE SITUATION THEIR IN.

Mark 10:17-22

17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" 18 So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 "You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'" 20 And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth." 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

THIS RICH YOU RULER WANTED WHAT JESUS HAD BUT HE DIDN’T WANT TO FOLLOW HIS ADVICE. HE WANTED WHAT JESUS HAD BUT HE DIDN’T WANT TO DO WHAT JESUS TOLD HIM TO DO. HE DIDN’T WANT HIS ADVISE.

5. YOU CAN’T RECEIVE HELP FROM SOMEONE IF YOU THINK THEY ARE THE CAUSE OF YOUR PROBLEM. I CAN’T RECEIVE HELP FROM SOMEONE IF I AM NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY ACTIONS BUT I’M ALWAYS BLAMMING OTHERS FOR WHAT IS LACKING IN MY LIFE. JOB HAD TO REPENT BECAUSE HE THOUGHT GOD WAS THE SOURCE OF HIS PROBLEM. HE THOUGHT THAT ALL HIS CALAMITIES WERE FROM GOD BUT HE LATER LEARNED THAT THE DEVIL WAS OUT TO KILL, STEAL AND DESTROY. NOW THIS IS ESPECIALLY TURE IN MARRIAGE. IF YOU LOOK AT YOUR MATE AS THE SOURCE OF YOUR MARITAL PROBLEMS THEN YOU CAN’T BE HELPED BY THEM OR OTHERS. ADAM BLAMED HIS WIFE AND WHEN HE ENTERED INTO DIALOGUE WITH GOD HE TOLD HIM THAT EVE WAS DISFUNCTIONAL AND ASKED HIM TO MAKE HIM ANOTHER ONE.

EVE DIDN’T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY BUT PASSED THE BUCK UNTO THE DEVIL. THE DEVIL DIDN’T HAVE A LEG TO STAND ON SO HE JUST SLITHERED OFF. YOU SEE IT’S PART OF THE ADAMIC NATURE THAT RESISTS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR OWN MISTAKES. BUT THAT IS IN FACT THE FIRST PAINFUL STEP TO RECOVERY AND HEALING.

LET ME IDENTIFY THIS BAD ATTITUDE THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE. THEY WALK AROUND WITH A CHIP ON THEIR SHOULDER AND THEY THINK THAT EVERYBODY ELSE IS THE SOURCE OF THEIR PROBLEM. YOU KNOW PEOPLE LIKE THAT AND I KNOW PEOPLE LIKE THAT AND THEY MIGHT BE SITTING NEXT TO YOU SO DON’T LOOK…..JUST KIDDING.

Matthew 7:3-5 (KJV)

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? [4] Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? [5] Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Matthew 7:3-5 (MsgB)

It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. [4] Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? [5] It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

WE WANT TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE REMOVE THEIR LITTLE PROBLEMS AND WE DON’T WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT CHANGING OUR OWN GIGANTIC PROBLEMS. YOU SEE, YOU CAN’T CHANGE YOUR BUSINESS, YOU CAN’T CHANGE YOUR MARRIAGE, YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR CHURCH, THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD IS TO CHANGE YOU! I CAN NEVER CHANGE YOU, I CAN ONLY CHANGE ME AND THAT’S THE SECRET OF A SUCCESSFUL LIFE. WHEN I CHANGE, EVERYTHING AROUND ME WILL CHANGE. IT ALWAYS ABOUT ME BUT WE WANT TO BLAME EVERYBODY ELSE FOR ALL OUR PROBLEMS. WE WANT TO BLAME THE GOVERNMENT, WE WANT TO BLAME THE SCHOOL TEACHERS, WE WANT TO BLAME THE HUSBAND OR THE WIFE, WE WANT TO BLAME THE CULTURE OR DEMONS BUT WE DON’T WANT TO TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ACTIONS. IT IS TURE, YOU CAN’T RECEIVE HELP FROM SOMEONE IF YOU THINK THEY ARE THE SOURCE OF YOUR PROBLEMS.

JUST CAUSE YOUR DADDY WASN’T EVER HOME HE DIDN’T MAKE YOU GO OUT AND STEAL A GUY AND SHOOT SOMEBODY. NO, THAT’S A PERSONAL CHOICE YOU MAKE APART FROM GENETIC INFLUENCE. THE DEVIL DIDN’T MAKE ME DO IT. YOUR DADDY DIDN’T MAKE YOU DO IT. YOU MAD A PERSONAL CHOICE SO LEARN TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS. WHEN YOU DO THAT GOD WILL HONOR IT AND BRING HEALING, RECOVERY AND WHOLENESS TO YOUR LIFE AND MINE.

6. UNTIL YOU EXPERIENCED THE PAIN OF BEING WRONG YOU CAN’T RECEIVE HELP FROM SOMEONE ELSE WHOSE GONE THROUGH THE SAME THING BUT IS NOW HEALED AND WHOLE. THE CLASSIC EXAMPLE FOR THIS IS THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SONE AND WE READ IT IN LK.15.

Luke 15:11-24 (MsgB)

Then he said, "There was once a man who had two sons. [12] The younger said to his father, 'Father, I want right now what's coming to me.' "So the father divided the property between them. [13] It wasn't long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. [14] After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. [15] He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. [16] He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any. [17] "That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. [18] I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; [19] I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.' [20] He got right up and went home to his father. "When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. [21] The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.' [22] "But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. [23] Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! [24] My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.

WHEN THE SON ASKED FOR HIS INHERITANCE THE FATHER GAVE IT TO HIM. WHEN HE LEFT THE FATHER DIDN’T CHASE HIM DOWN AND DEMAND THAT HE RETURN HOME. THE FATHER KNEW THAT THE SON HAD TO EXPERIENCE THE PAIN OF LIVING ON HIS OWN AND MAKE SOME BAD CHOICES THAT WOULD RESULT IN PERSONAL FINANCIAL FAILURE BEFORE HE WOULD WANT AND RESPECT WHAT THE FATHER HAD IN A TESTED, PROVEN AND SUCESSFUL BUSINESS.

KING DAVID WASN’T OPEN TO ANY ADVICE UNTIL HE EXPERIENCED THE SET BACK OF AN AFFAIR WITH BATHSHEBA. UNCHECKED SUCCESS WILL MAKE YOU ARROGANT. NOW GOVERNOR JANKLOW, WHO DID A LOT OF GOOD THINGS FOR OUR STATE, MIGHT NOT BE SO COCKY NOW THAT HE RAN A STOP SIGN AT 71MPH AND KILLED A BIKER. ITS NOT UNTIL WE EXPERIENCE THE PAIN OF PERSONAL FAILURE THAT WE WILL BE OPEN TO PERSONALL GROWTH AND CHANGE. PART OF THE MATURATION PROCESS OF CHILDREN IS THAT YOU HAVE TO LET THEM MAKE SOME WRONG CHOICES ON THEIR OWN BEFORE THEY WILL BE OPEN TO YOUR ADVICE.

Hebrews 4:15-16 (MsgB)

We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. [16] So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

JESUS WAS TEMPTED IN ALL POINTS JUST LIKE WE ARE YET HE RESISTED SIN. HE’S BEEN THROUGH IT ALL AND NOW QUALIFIES TO SPEAK INTO OUR LIVES. HE’S GONE THROUGH A LOT OF SUFFERING SO WE DON’T HAVE TO IF WE STAY OPEN AND RECEPTIVE TO HIS ADVICE. BUT IF WE DON’T THEN HE KNOW’S THAT THE PAIN OF PERSONAL FAILURE HAS THE POWER TO REDEEM US.

Psalm 119:67-71 (KJV)

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. [68] Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. [69] The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. [70] Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. [71] It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

TROUBLE COMES INTO OUR LIVES WHEN WE FAIL TO FOLLOW THE ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS OF A SUCCESSFUL LEADER. SOMETIMES WE JUST HAVE TO LET PEOPLE MAKE THE WRONG CHOICE BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT OPEN TO OUR WISDOM OR PERCEPTION. LISTEN, I’M A PARENT TOO BUT SOMETIMES WE JUST HAVE TO LET THE KID GO AND NOT BAIL HIM OUT EVERYTIME OR ELSE HE’LL NEVER GROW UP. YOU SEE, PART OF GROWING UP IS LEARNING FROM YOUR OWN MISTAKES WHEN YOU’RE NOT OPEN TO THE ADVICE OF OTHERS. THE YOU WILL LEARN TO RESPECT AND HONOR WHAT OLD MAN RIVER AND RIVERETTE KNOW AFTER 50 SOME YEARS OF LIFE.

DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I’M TRYING TO SAY HERE. YOU’RE GONNA HAVE A BAD ATTITUDE TOWARDS SOMEONE THAT IS SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE UNTIL YOUR GONE THROUGH THE PAINFUL EXPERIENCE OF A PERSONAL FAILURE. WHEN YOU DO, IT HUMBLES YOU AND CHANGES YOUR PRIDEFUL ATTITUDE REAL QUICK.

DO YOU SEE HOW IMPORTANT YOUR ATTITUDES ARE? MANY TIMES ITS JUST A BAD ATTITUDE THAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAILURE AND SUCCESS. IF WE CAN CHANGE OUR ATTITUDE WE CAN EXPERIENCE THE PERSONAL GROWTH AND SUCCESS THAT GOD HAS ORDAINED FOR OUR LIVES.