There is a television commercial that says “attitude is everything.” Although they are advertising a worldly product, they still understand the principle that our attitude is important. It’s not true that attitude is everything, but our attitude toward others can either enhance or destroy relationships.
Years ago, I knew a man that was extremely talented in his field of occupation. He had natural abilities and learned abilities that far surpassed all of those around him. Physically he was good looking, but socially, he was repulsive. He had a very poor attitude.
Because he had a strong personality, he created turmoil every place he worked and he worked a lot of places because it was only a matter of time until he was offensive to the employer and his days became numbered.
As Christians, we must understand that we cannot have the same attitudes that are prevalent in the world. We are required by God’s Word to not think of ourselves as better or smarter than those we associate with. If we act haughty and arrogant to other believers, then we are disobedient to God’s Word.
Romans 12:16 says, “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
This scripture is telling us that we are not to be high-minded. Yes, we are to be wise, but not wise in our own opinion. Pride means “high-minded.” That means a person thinks of themselves higher than the reality of their abilities, their looks, etc.
Galatians 6:3 says that if anyone thinks himself to be something when he is nothing that he deceives himself. We must know who we are in Christ and, of course, we must operate in our God-given abilities, but we cannot have a poor attitude or high-mindedness because that will lead to isolation and offenses.
“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Cor. 10:12).
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.