My Dearest Daughters,
“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” – John Maxwell
Head + Heart = Attitude That Becomes Behavior
Attitude: It’s what I think and feel about someone or something that shapes the words I choose and actions I take in ways that people can sense.
Attitude starts in the mind, which is why Paul (the Apostle in the Bible) emphasized keeping a good mindset when he wrote,
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
This is one of the most important Truths he discovered after nearly a lifetime of Loving God and People in some of the most inconvenient and downright painful circumstances imaginable. It was also one of his final bits of instruction and encouragement to those who call themselves Christians because an attitude of gratitude leads to a Love that can felt by those we’re Called to Serve.
This is to say that our thoughts stew in a metaphorical mental pot. Then they’re consumed by the heart and transformed into an attitude that commands our hands, feet, and mouth to action. If our thoughts are positive, then our behavior is positive, if not… then it’s not.
Jesus also reminded us that it’s the heart that conceives evil – not our hands, feet, and mouth. Sure, wickedness reveals itself through action, but that’s not where it originates. Instead, whatever is in my heart overflows into the world around me.
“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”
Matthew 15:18-19
He further clarified God’s standard for a good heart in Matthew 5:21-22 & 5:27-28 because He knows that my heart drives my feelings and my feelings drive my actions – for good or evil, the path to action is the same: Head to Heart to Hands, Feet, and Mouth.
My Girls, I Hope and Pray that regardless of what you say and do, it will come from an attitude of Mercy, Grace, and Love, so those who God brings into your life will feel the words He wants to speak and actions He wants to take through you.
Life Application Question
How’s your head, heart, and attitude TODAY?
Dad's Wisdom 
Wonderful post. I think often of Paul that even before he was a follower, he was always true to God as he knew to be. Then when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus, Paul really knew and understood how wrong he was. To carry that knowledge must have been hard. We today still are missing the mark in a lot of ways. May we come into the understanding as Paul did and be able to remain as true. Thank you for sharing your words and attitude.
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Love this so much. Reading for myself just as much as wisdom to pass to my kids! I especially appreciate the scripture references as they relate to attitude. Really helps me to bury it in my heart as truth.
Also – thanks for stopping by my blog! I appreciate it.
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Thank you for your kind words. Being a former-Marine, I sometimes find it easier to connect with my daughters in writing rather than verbally, but I’m working on that. I hope they can look back someday and see my heart and what God has taught me.
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I imagine they definitely will… and already have hearts full of their dad’s wisdom and love. Thanks so much for sharing!
I found you on Instagram too! I look forward to reading more!
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