Proverbs 9:7-9 “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; Teach a righteous man and he will learn more.”
There are those that for whatever reason or another have bad attitudes towards people and life in general. Certainly life’s problems come not only of our own doing, but many times from that of others. However, I have not ceased to be amazed at the tenacity and determination of certain sectors of humanity to overcome all obstacles that come at them both from within and without. These are those that make no excuses for their situation, or waste time delaying to make a way for themselves to change their situation. Success is not found in or out of certain situations, but rather, in or out of certain attitudes.
I find no ill more injurious than that of pride. Attitudes are revealed in a person’s character over time. However, if you really want to find out what a person is made of, take a stab at their pride. Pride doesn’t need help from anyone. Pride will get offended at the thought of needing to learn, needing to change, having fault, or lacking understanding. Subsequently, these offended ones never learn, never change, and isolate themselves from everyone that love them, could sincerely help them, and give them an opportunity to grow beyond their present circumstance.
On the contrary, the wise man is knowledgeable concerning the evils and weaknesses that lurk inside him. He is not ignorant concerning his own pride, therefore neither is he ignorant of what damage it can do. He is an open vessel that is waiting to be filled with whatever good he might lack. As far as he is concerned, a stab at his pride is a step in the right direction. Consequently, he grows day by day with more and more wisdom. He surrounds himself with those who are honest and wise in their own right. They are like a cabinet of sharp knives that continually sharpen one another until their edges are razor-like in perfection. But the prideful continue to remain as dull as a spoon.
I have learned, through many of my own fiascos and follies, that it is imperative at all times to keep a good attitude in every single situation, because even if I can’t understand my circumstances, there is something that is at work that can be turned for my good no matter what the situation might be. If there is one thing that I have learned, I will never stop learning. Hence, let us be of an open mind, a humble heart, and a closed mouth, as we are challenged in life, and our weaknesses are revealed. Attitude does indeed determine altitude.
Pastor LaVaughn
