Changing the Atmosphere By Changing Your Attitude

Every Wednesday morning, I have the opportunity to go to one of our local middle schools and help out with open gym. Open gym is just a place where kids that have been dropped off early can come and hang out before school starts. Usually, a lot of basketball and volleyball are played. And, with open gym starting at 7am, we don’t always bring our best attitudes…. adults or students.

And that got me thinking… Have you ever noticed how one person’s attitude can change the whole atmosphere? Whether it’s in a classroom, workplace, school gym, or even at home, the way we choose to think and respond affects everyone around us. That’s why Paul’s words in Philippians 2 are so powerful. He reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we’re called to have the same attitude He had.

So, what kind of attitude did Jesus have? Paul goes on to describe it: “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6–8, NLT)

Jesus chose humility. He chose service. He chose obedience—even when it led to the cross. He didn’t seek status or recognition. He didn’t demand His rights. He simply loved, served, and obeyed the Father completely.

Having the same attitude as Christ means we do the same. It means choosing humility when pride feels easier. It means serving others even when no one notices. It means forgiving when we’d rather stay angry. It means putting others before ourselves because that’s exactly what Jesus did for us.

When we begin to think like Jesus, everything changes—how we see people, how we respond to challenges, and how we live out our faith day by day.

So, as you go about your week, ask yourself: “How can I show the heart of Christ in my words, actions, and attitude today?” That’s where real transformation begins.

- Jamey