Dad's Wisdom

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?