The Heart Attitudes [Again and Again]…

February 19, 2007 | 12:58 PM

In October 2004 I first heard the Heart Attitudes in class with Dr. Jack Allen. Since then I’ve taken several of his classes and in almost every one he strongly recommends that we acquaint or reacquaint ourselves with the Heart Attitudes. Every once in a while I find myself in need of a reminder of how I should keep my attitude in check. Likewise, there comes a time when I see that the majority of the Baptist bloggers could use a healthy dose of the Heart Attitudes as well (all of them). I’ve been increasingly frustrated with the lack of accountability found among them; moreover I’m disappointed that so many seem to focus wholly on tearing others down (I’d cite examples, but to me it’d be like linking pornography). Read them. Apply them. I pray that God would bring you to your knees in repentance, just as He has brought me to mine when I needed it.

The Heart Attitudes
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. -Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. -Psalm 90:12 NIV

1. It’s Not About Me
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. -Philippians 2:4 NIV

2. Live An Honest, Open Lifestyle
What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. -Ephesians 4:25 MSG

3. Humbly Give and Receive Correction
Warn each other every day, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. -Hebrews 3:13

Listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace. -Proverbs 15:31, 13:18

4. Keep Relationships Straight
If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. -Matthew 5:23-24 NIV

5. Participate in Ministry
God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you. -1 Peter 4:10 NLT

6. Support in Prayer, Attending, Inviting, Giving
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. -1 Corinthians 9:16 NIV

Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshipping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially was we see the big Day approaching. -Hebrews 10:24-25 MSG

7. Follow Leaders Within Scriptural Boundaries
Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them? -Hebrews 13:17 MSG

Posted in Blogs, Christianity, Ethics, Prayer