Seven Attitudes That Keep Me Growing - Part 1

On Wednesday’s podcast, Episode 21, we talked about what we learned at the Chick-fil-A Leadercast. When you graduate, whether from high school or college, you have a choice to make: will I continue learning, or am I done? It wasn’t long after I finished college, and stopped writing papers and taking tests, that I realized I had better become a lifelong learner if I was to survive the real world.

Some people say attitude is everything. It may not be everything, but it sure is something! As I reflected on my years of learning, often the hard way, but also with intentionality, I thought of seven attitudes that helped me to stay on a growth track. Here they are:

Humility – I don’t know it all and can learn from anyone. An attitude of humility opens your mind to receive the good things others have, whether from a conversation, lecture, book, podcast, etc. If I am proud I think I know it all. Proud people do not listen. Humble people have failed and know they need help. They can learn from anyone, and do. Humility is a great attitude for a pastor to practice.

Positivity – Life is going to get better, if it kills me! I have always said that my life motto is: “Life gets better.” At some point in the past ten years, I’ve found out that it doesn’t always get better… in the short term. Sometimes it gets harder. But the hardness actually helps me to get better, if I have a positive response. My attitude of positivity allows me to keep moving forward, and to see the best in others, the blessings in failure, and the meaning in the toughest circumstances. Positivity helps me to grow.

Expectancy – something good is right around the corner. In my 200church, I ask God to do something wonderful on a Sunday, when we meet corporately for worship. I ask the Holy Spirit to change us, me first! I have learned to expect God to send people my way, people who help me, and people I can help. I know that in the tough times and the lonely times he is there, and I ask for his help. I am asking right now that he will use this blog post to encourage another 200church pastor.  I expect he will.

Generosity – If I give to others, I will never run out. My attitude of generosity helps me to grow in faith. When I give something away, I have to believe God will bless the other person, and continue to provide for me. The more I give the more I grow. The less I give the less I receive from God and others. My attitude of generosity keeps me on the growing edge.

Look for the rest of the article, and the story of my encounter with road rage, and how I grew from it... tomorrow!