(1) Devotions for Daily Living: Attitude

I.   Introduction
    A.  Red Belt in karate is the highest rank for a child may obtain.  It consists of 
        1.  200 push-ups
        2.  200 sit-ups
        3.  1 mile run
        4.  History of karate exam
        5.  Technique critique
        6.  30 technique kata
        7.  Essay on attitude
    B.  Today, we will look at Nathan’s essay on attitude and then discuss its             application to our lives. 
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II.  Essay – Nathan Copeland
“Attitude is defined by Webster’s dictionary as:  the way you think and feel about someone or something affecting a person’s behavior.  I think that definition is a good start to a discussion about attitude.  Attitude is the most important aspect of training in karate, and in a lot of other things in life.  A good attitude requires discipline and training.    For me, God is a defining part of my attitude.  He knows my heart and my thoughts (both good and bad) and is a driving force in my choices.  I am not perfect, but God is the source of my strength and successes in life.  Phil 4:8 defines for me a good attitude:  “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praise-worthy- think on these things.”  I desire to make choices and portray an attitude that glorifies God, my family, my country and my sport. 

A good attitude can make you contagious- more people are likely to follow your example if you demonstrate a good attitude.  A bad attitude creates confusion and frustration.  A good attitude builds teamwork and helps everyone focus on the common goals.  A poor attitude breaks the team apart.  A positive attitude makes you more likely to want to try new things and practice till you succeed at them.  A poor attitude demonstrates a quitter’s spirit.  A good athlete demonstrates a good attitude whether he wins or loses.    He’s a good sport- saying “Good match” and bumping gloves after a sparing match.  A bad attitude makes others feel bad or dumb.  It can bully or intimidate someone into something wrong.  A good attitude builds up his fellow teammates- teaching and encouraging and helping in areas they need help.  A good attitude is asking for help from someone you trust when you need it.  A poor attitude is thinking you can do everything alone.  1 Peter 4:1 says “Since Christ suffered in his body arm yourself also with the same attitude because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.”  This verse means to me that sometimes hard things can be made harder with a bad attitude, or with a good attitude hard things can result in greatness.
Let me encourage you in a good attitude as Romans 15:5 says “May the God who give you endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
III.  Questions
 How can this apply to our lives, as students?
As employees?
​   A.  Pharmacy School
        1.  Apply to students?
        2.  Apply to faculty?
    B.  Pharmacy Practice
        1.  Apply to work?
        2.  Apply to studies?
    C.  Personal Life
        1.  Apply to friends?
        2.  Apply to family?
        3.  Apply to self?

IV.  Conclusion
    A.   Personal Prayer