Lately, I’ve been musing upon the behavioral implications of theology. I’ve noticed how integral a right attitude toward life extends into all relationships. I’ve discovered this through living life at Church in the Valley. Our goal is to live a life that honors God and makes relationships with one another enjoyable. In order to do this we have adapted 7 heart attitudes which are:
1. Put the goals and interest of others above my own. Philippians 2:3-4
2. Live an honest, open life before others. Ephesians 4:25
3. Give and receive Scriptural correction. Hebrews 3:13
4. Clear up relationships. Matthew 5:23-24
5. Participate in the ministry of the church. 1 Peter 4:10
6. Support the work financially 1 Corinthians 16:2
7. Follow spiritual leadership within Scriptural limits and make it a joy for them. Hebrews 13:17
In essence we are to be righteous toward God and just to one another. Living out these heart attitudes is a lot harder than it would seem when one merely incorporates them into their theological world view. I’ve discovered that most Christians approach God as a Hindu would. When a Hindu “converts” to Christianity they typically just add on the Christian God to their repertoire of Gods. When a Hindu truly becomes a follower of Christ they make the Christian God their one and only God because they have understood the truth of the gospel and want to change in accordance to that truth. Most Christians add on various doctrines without examining them to scripture or connecting how this new found illumination should be reflected in their lives and world view. My friend Simon recently posted a blog about heart changes and behavior changes. I think he touched on a key aspect to Christianity that many people today have neglected. Our behavior changes because our heart has changed. Although I must admit that sometimes obeying God’s commandments forces us to make heart changes.
Our heart is the inner real us that sets the direction for our life. Attitude is a chosen mental or emotional position toward a person or thing. Therefore, heart attitudes are the real us that is acted out in our mental/emotional positions.
Attitude is a choice and we are responsible for our attitude as well as the way we act. If we are responsible for our attitude and actions then we better know the right way to act and correct our attitude. Therefore, in order to do this in all arenas of life not merely the “country club” as Simon put it then we ought to start developing certain heart changes. In my opinion, these 7 heart attitudes are a practical application to heart changes because they reflect our hearts position toward love, clear conscience, integrity, teachable spirit, care, humility and stewardship. They help to align the moral will of God into our heart and allow us to grow as one body into God’s wisdom.
