“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”  Philippians 2:5

One day I opened my truck door and was blasted with a horrific smell. I searched every inch of the car but could not find the source of the stench. I then took action to get rid of the smell: I scrubbed the carpet with deodorizers and sprayed air freshener. The stench persisted. I left the truck doors open, deciding I couldn’t possibly run errands in that stink.

 I went back inside, opened the refrigerator, and noticed a small trickle of milk had leaked on to the shelf. After examining the milk container, I realized that the milk must have leaked into the truck the day before when I got groceries. That explained the cause of my stinky car: spoiled milk, one of the most offensive odors I’ve ever smelled.  Negative attitudes are like the stench of spoiled milk, permeating our lives and affecting everyone we come in contact with.  Think about some of these negative attitudes that might make you stink: complaining, selfish, prideful, bitter, or unforgiving.  Do any ring true with you today?

 Now imagine a pleasing aroma. What comes to mind? A freshly baked pie, the scent of the ocean, newly brewed coffee, or a cinnamon candle. A pleasant aroma is so powerful that it can bring a smile to our faces and make us feel more positive.  The same is true of our positive attitudes. In our relationships we can be like a fragrant aroma by adopting attitudes that please and reflect Christ. In fact, Paul teaches that we are a “fragrance of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15).  Consider these pleasing attitudes: thankful, humble, generous, gracious, kind, and cheerful.  You can ask God to be one of these fragrances through you today.  Our attitude provides an accurate litmus test for the true condition of our hearts. God cares first about the condition of our hearts because when God has our hearts, He knows that we’re surrendered to Him. He’ll mold us and shape our attitudes and actions to reflect His character.

 Dear Lord, search me, O God, and know my heart. Soften my heart and make me willing to receive an attitude adjustment from You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.