The Attitude of the Believer
Webster dictionary defines attitude as the “mental position with regard to a fact or state and as the feeling or emotion toward a fact or state.” As a result, the word often depicts the emotional state and approach to life of an individual. The word attitude often finds use in describing the response of an individual to another in both a negative and positive mentality. For the believer, his or her attitude ought to reflect the attitude of Christ. The Apostle Peter aids believers in identifying the believers attitude in 1 Peter 3:8. Peter wrote, “Finally all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
First, the believer’s attitude centers on unity of mind. The idea of having an attitude of a unity of mind points to the oneness that is found in the body of Christ due to the rule of Christ in the believers’ lives. The Apostle Paul mentioned this attitude in Romans 15:5 and Philippians 2:12 as the church having one mind. This indicates that the attitude found in the fellowship of believers finds oneness in opinions, outlook, and disposition because all are seeking obedience and leading from the Lord.
Second, the attitude of the believer demonstrates sympathy. Sympathy shows appropriate feelings toward and with others. In Romans 12:15, the Apostle Paul challenged believers to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. At other places, the Apostle Paul discussed suffering and rejoicing with one member of the church (1 Corinthians 12:26). Thus, the product of the Christian life is to have an attitude of sympathy that comes alongside other believers in an appropriate manner.
Third, the believers attitude shows brotherly love. The idea of brotherly love does not find basis in a competitive nature as seen in many relationships, but rather a love that creates a bond that is inseparable. It is a love that walks with one another through the good and difficult moments in life. To love one another as a brother is to love one another as a family and be there for one another. This approach to love should separate the church from other worldly social gatherings.
Fourth, a tender heart flows from the proper attitude. A tender heart refers to the idea of being kind. In the original language, the concept comes from the image of one’s internal organs. Thus, kindness flows from the very foundational level of the individual. For the believer, the most foundational element in life must be Christ.
Thus, kindness flows from that which life is resting on. For the believer, an attitude of kindness demonstrates the reality of Christ.
Fifth, the attitude of a believer is defined by a humble mind. The humble mind is a mind that is controlled by the rule of Christ in life. Ultimately, the humble mind is a mind that has been surrendered to the way, will, and desires of Jesus and pushes away the ways, will, and desires of the flesh. A mind of humility keeps a proper perspective of who one really is in light of who Christ is. Thus, the attitude of the mind for the believer needs to center on nothing else but Christ.
May we seek to surrender the fleshly attitudes that want us to live differently than the ways of the Lord. May we seek to have the believer’s attitude as defined by the Lord through the writing of the Apostle Peter.
