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 __________________________.

A.      Our attitude is the primary force that will determine whether we _________ 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 _________________ on “laying hold of Jesus.”

C.     His __________________ 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 ____________ that life throws out.

E.     This is ____________________ behavior.

II. Attitude helps turn _____________________ into ______________________.

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

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

1.      Gen. 39-42 – __________.  Ex. 2-3 – ________ Mt. 26:69-75 – ________

2.      The ______________ of life lie directly in our ________________!

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

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

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 ___________-________________.

3.      He possessed a feeling of ___________-___________.

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

1.      2:3 – do the __________ things for the ___________ reasons.

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

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

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

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

C.     Wrong attitudes _____________ 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 _____________ and our _________________ – Lk. 15:31

IV. Our attitude can give us an ____________________ perspective!

A.      It’s our attitude of ______ & ___________ 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