Leading With Optimism

Leading With Optimism

Introduction:

Today we wish to discuss another important key becoming a person of influence: leading w/optimism. We’re describing a person who has his attitude in check, a person who is. disciplined & well aware of his spiritual priorities. When we speak of attitude we mean: the inward feeling expressed by our behavior. Our attitude is often seen without ever saying a word. Outward actions and expressions can become a “window to the soul.”

I. Our attitude determines our performance.

A. Our attitude is the primary force that will determine whether we succeed or fail spiritually.

B. Adopting a good, healthy attitude is essential for our spiritual lives.

1. 1 Tim. 1:12-15 – Paul had terrible background to overcome.

2. Phil. 3:8-13 - He was focused on “laying hold of Jesus.”

C. His attitude was essential to his spiritual success!

D. Phil 4:4 – keep in mind that Paul writing from imprisonment.

1. Phil. 4:12-13 - It IS possible to tailor make our attitude to fit every situation that life throws out.

E. This is learned behavior.

II. Attitude helps turn problems into blessings.

A. When confronted w/a difficult situation – a person w/an outstanding attitude makes the best of it while he gets the worst of it.

B. Consider the success of these men & the importance of attitude:

1. Gen. 39-42 – Joseph. Ex. 2-3 – Moses Mt. 26:69-75 – Peter

2. The opportunities of life lie directly in our problems!

C. A positive attitude allows us to handle our problems & failures w/success!

III. Our attitude is not automatically good just because we’re Christians.

A. We carry around problems of attitude, inner spirit, and motives.

1. Lk. 15:25-32 – consider prodigal son’s older brother. Are we like him?

2. He possessed a feeling of self-importance.

3. He possessed a feeling of self-pity.

B. Phil. 2:3-8 – look at the attitudes we must possess as Christians

1. 2:3 – do the right things for the right reasons.

2. 2:3 – regard others as more important than yourself

3. 2:4 – look out for the interests of others

4. 2:6 – Jesus realized his Sonship & the need to serve His Father

5. 2:7-8 – Jesus emptied himself, obeyed God, and fulfilled His purpose.

C. Wrong attitudes block the blessings of God &cause us to live below God’s potential for our lives!

D. When an attitude of ours “goes south” remember 2 things:

1. our privilege and our possessions – Lk. 15:31

IV. Our attitude can give us an optimistic perspective!

A. It’s our attitude of faith/trust in God that allows us to be optimistic!

B. Future not only looks bright when our attitude is right – but the present is also much more enjoyable!

Conclusion:

A. Daily we can become people of influence.

B. Are you aiming toward spiritual success? Phil. 3:8-13



Leading With Optimism Introduction: Today we wish to discuss another important key becoming a person of influence: leading w/optimism. We’re describing a person who has his attitude in check, a person who is. disciplined & well aware of his spiritual priorities. When we speak of attitude we mean: the inward feeling expressed by our behavior. Our attitude is often seen without ever saying a word. Outward actions and expressions can become a “window to the soul.” I. Our attitude determines our performance. A. Our attitude is the primary force that will determine whether we succeed or fail spiritually. B. Adopting a good, healthy attitude is essential for our spiritual lives. 1. 1 Tim. 1:12-15 – Paul had terrible background to overcome. 2. Phil. 3:8-13 - He was focused on “laying hold of Jesus.” C. His attitude was essential to his spiritual success! D. Phil 4:4 – keep in mind that Paul writing from imprisonment. 1. Phil. 4:12-13 - It IS possible to tailor make our attitude to fit every situation that life throws out. E. This is learned behavior. II. Attitude helps turn problems into blessings. A. When confronted w/a difficult situation – a person w/an outstanding attitude makes the best of it while he gets the worst of it. B. Consider the success of these men & the importance of attitude: 1. Gen. 39-42 – Joseph. Ex. 2-3 – Moses Mt. 26:69-75 – Peter 2. The opportunities of life lie directly in our problems! C. A positive attitude allows us to handle our problems & failures w/success! III. Our attitude is not automatically good just because we’re Christians. A. We carry around problems of attitude, inner spirit, and motives. 1. Lk. 15:25-32 – consider prodigal son’s older brother. Are we like him? 2. He possessed a feeling of self-importance. 3. He possessed a feeling of self-pity. B. Phil. 2:3-8 – look at the attitudes we must possess as Christians 1. 2:3 – do the right things for the right reasons. 2. 2:3 – regard others as more important than yourself 3. 2:4 – look out for the interests of others 4. 2:6 – Jesus realized his Sonship & the need to serve His Father 5. 2:7-8 – Jesus emptied himself, obeyed God, and fulfilled His purpose. C. Wrong attitudes block the blessings of God &cause us to live below God’s potential for our lives! D. When an attitude of ours “goes south” remember 2 things: 1. our privilege and our possessions – Lk. 15:31 IV. Our attitude can give us an optimistic perspective! A. It’s our attitude of faith/trust in God that allows us to be optimistic! B. Future not only looks bright when our attitude is right – but the present is also much more enjoyable! Conclusion: A. Daily we can become people of influence. B. Are you aiming toward spiritual success? Phil. 3:8-13