How do we have a good day? How can one day be a good day and another day being not so good, and even sometimes bad? The attitude that we have is what makes the difference. If we make up our minds to have a good day the result is a good day. It does not matter if bad things happen to us on that day, it will still turn out to be a good day.
Paul gives us a formula to have a good day. If we apply these principles to each day; we will have a good day. Having a good day is hard work. It takes a lot of effort, but it is worth the work and effort. Here are the principles:
First is our attitude is important. Philippians 4:4-7 states, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Paul list six reasons why he rejoiced. The precious memories that he had of them cause him joy (1:4). The preaching of Christ caused Paul great joy (1:18). The unity of love that the Philippians had for each other caused Paul joy (2:2). There were faithful brethren at Philippi and in other places (2:16). Opportunities for service and sacrifice were another area that caused Paul great joy (2:17). And the love, care, and concern for Paul by the Philippians were reasons for Paul to rejoice. Next, Paul gives the Philippians reasons why they are to have the attitude of joy. These reasons are: 1) because they are “in the Lord” (1:26; 3:1; 3:3; 4:4). All spiritual blessings are for those who are “in the Lord” (Ephesians 1:3). 2) the Philippians are the recipients of the Lord’s constant concern (4:5). This passage does not mean that the Lord’s coming was close by, but that He is close to all of us. Paul affirmed and confirmed this in his speech on Mars’ Hill in Athens. Here is what he said at that time, “That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might fell after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us” (Acts 17:27). The third reason the Philippians were to be rejoicing and therefore we are also to rejoice is because of the glorious future. Philippians 3:20-21 states, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” The word, “conversation” in the King James Version is not our every day talking, but our manner of life. The New King James Version has for that word our “citizenship.” Therefore our station in the future life will be in heaven. Our bodies as they are today cannot inherit the eternal state; we must be changed and will be changed in a moment; in the twinkling of an eye. We can have this attitude but how can we obtain the attitude of rejoicing.
Developing the proper attitude of rejoicing. Paul tells us exactly how to develop the attitude of rejoicing in Philippians 4:8-9. “Finally, brethren, what so ever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these thing. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” There are things we are to think about and some things we do not need to think about. There are some things we need to leave in our minds and there are some things we need to let them never have a place in our minds. This can be hard to do but it can be done. We also are to be imitating what Paul taught and what he did. If we will think upon the right things all day long we will have a good day. If we will fill our minds with the Word of God this will be a good start. When we have one of those moments when things start of wrong, we can correct that by thinking upon the good that we have done or are doing. We also can think of the good that others have done for us. This is developing that proper attitude to have a good day.
Developing the proper actions of rejoicing. Paul informs us that can we have the proper attitude and we are to be developing that proper attitude, but now we need to put those attitudes into action. “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again, wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to about and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:10-13). To have the proper attitude is one thing, to put it into action is another. There are times when we are timid and we do not know what to do. That is not an excuse for inaction. Paul said for us to overcome this timidity and get the job done. There may be some who do not know what to do, but this is not an excuse for our lack of working. Learning and ample opportunities abound for any Christian to study and come to a knowledge of the truth. We are to know, “but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 5:15). For a Christian not to know why they have a hope of heaven is a shame and ought to be corrected at once. This will help in developing that attitude of having a good day. We have full assurance of faith, knowing that no matter come what may we will be right with God. Let us have the proper attitude; develop that proper attitude and then put that attitude into action.
Love, Keith
