Fearless Attitudes

In the next part of our Fear series, I thought we should tackle one of a woman's most powerful characteristics which can also be her most unattractive trait - her attitude. It is an unfortunate reality that Christian women can sometimes have the worst attitudes. The problem is that fear affects how we feel about ourselves which typically shows up in how we respond to others.

Have you ever been a "christian" with a nasty attitude?

Fear has a huge negative impact on a woman's attitude. Because fear attacks a woman's heart, it also impacts her demeanor, her thoughts and her conversation. (For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.) This is generally manifested by back-biting, jealousy, always seeing the worst about situations or people, being easily offended or extra sensitive, being mean spirited and unfriendly, and having a quick temper or sarcastic tongue. Fearful women are quick to "snap" or say something rude or mean when their feelings are hurt or they have been offended. In fact, their feelings are hurt quite easily because they assume the worst about other's motives. Somehow it has became attractive in society to be a woman known for "going-off" when she is upset or for having a "alter ego" (otherwise known as the flesh) that comes out when someone "goes to far" with us. We often glamorize it, but my sister, these are traits of fear not strength.

When we have a healthy confidence and esteem, we tend to be encouraging towards others, quick to forgive and believe the best about others (even when they make mistakes), unassuming when meeting new people (rather than making negative assumptions), even tempered, open-minded, flexible to change and adaptable to all situations and people. Confident women easily attract others because they are uplifting, supportive, purposeful & goal-oriented,loyal, not easily offended, emotionally stable, transparent & honest, focused on making herself and others better, and quick to speak positively about others, often complimenting other women without reservation. She is not intimidated by others and she doesn't have to prove or remind anyone that she is confident. She is not unstable in her thinking. Instead, she is resolved and decisive because her thoughts are objective and pure, and her decisions reflect the fact that she knows who she is in God, with no apologies.

Do you have a fearless attitude?

1 Peter3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

Thought starters:
Have you checked your attitude lately?
If I talked to three people closest to you, how would they describe your attitude?
If you have the courage, ask someone you trust to be totally honest with you.

Prayer starter:
Dear Lord, sometimes my attitude is impacted by internal thoughts and fears. When that happens, I am not the best representation of your daughter. Forgive me for the times when my attitude has not aligned with Your expectations. Help me to acknowledge any changes in my attitude that I need to make. I want to be attractive others, not by external beauty, but by a spirit and attitude that reflects your presence in my life so that others are drawn to a relationship with You. In Jesus Name. Amen.