A Positive Attitude

A new member joined the staff of the European Bible Institute. This young colleague was gifted and outgoing, and she would eventually take over some of my responsibilities. I found myself confronted with a choice: I could become bitter and jealous or I could adopt a positive attitude.

While I was reading Deuteronomy 3, the Lord drew my attention to God’s exhortation to Moses concerning Joshua, his successor: ‘Encourage and strengthen him’ (Deuteronomy 3:28). This was God’s personal word to me: encourage my new colleague—even more, point out her strong points to the boss. With the Lord’s help and grace I decided to support this colleague, who is now also a friend.

I needed the help of the Lord to keep encouraging her, especially when she was given some of the responsibilities I really enjoyed. One way the Lord has encouraged me is through scripture: ‘I know that good itself does not dwell… in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out’ (Romans 7:18). I am grateful for my Lord who works in us all through the Spirit ‘to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose’ (Philippians 2:13).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the relevance of your word in our lives day by day. Help us to immerse ourselves in scripture so that we can hear you speaking to us. Amen