Transforming Attitudes: From Complaints to Gratitude

Summary

In today's message, we explored the themes of "Complaints and Compromise," focusing on how our attitudes can shape our spiritual journey. We began by reflecting on the innocence and purity of a child's perspective, contrasting it with the often cynical and compromised views of adults. This led us to consider how our attitudes can either hinder or enhance our experience of God's power in our lives. We delved into the story of the descendants of Joseph in the book of Joshua, who, despite being given the best land, chose to compromise by enslaving the Canaanites instead of driving them out as God commanded. This act of disobedience was rooted in a belief that they knew better than God, a common pitfall for many of us today.

We discussed how compromise with sin, even in seemingly small ways, can lead to spiritual bondage. Whether it's through sexual immorality, dishonesty, greed, or other areas, these compromises can prevent us from fully experiencing the victory God has for us. We also touched on the importance of gratitude and how a complaining spirit can be a symptom of an attitude of defeat. By appreciating what God has already given us, we can cultivate an attitude of victory.

The message concluded with a call to action: to stop complaining and start thanking God for His blessings. By setting aside time each day to reflect on what we are grateful for, we can reprogram our minds to focus on the positive and align our attitudes with God's will. This practice not only enhances our spiritual well-being but also prepares us to fully follow the Lord and experience His power in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Childlike Perspective: Embracing a childlike perspective can transform how we see the world and our challenges. Children see beauty and opportunity where adults often see obstacles and limitations. This perspective can help us approach life with a sense of wonder and openness to God's work in our lives. [47:27]

2. Compromise and Disobedience: Compromising with sin, even in small ways, can lead to spiritual bondage. The story of the descendants of Joseph illustrates how choosing tribute over triumph can result in enslavement. We must strive to obey God fully and avoid the temptation to think we know better than Him. [54:30]

3. Gratitude Over Complaints: Complaining is a symptom of an attitude of defeat. By focusing on gratitude and appreciating what God has given us, we can cultivate an attitude of victory. This shift in perspective allows us to see God's blessings and align our attitudes with His will. [01:15:23]

4. Daily Gratitude Practice: Setting aside time each day to reflect on what we are grateful for can reprogram our minds to focus on the positive. This practice not only enhances our spiritual well-being but also prepares us to fully follow the Lord and experience His power in our lives. [01:31:41]

5. Trusting God's Provision: God has given us everything we need for a godly life. Trusting in His provision and being content with what we have can prevent us from falling into the trap of constant dissatisfaction and complaining. By appreciating His blessings, we can live a life of gratitude and joy. [01:29:31]

Youtube Chapters:

[0:00] - Welcome
[42:06] - The Gift of Presence
[43:09] - Opening Prayer
[44:49] - Complaints and Compromise
[46:21] - Childlike Perspective
[47:27] - Attitude and Opportunities
[49:26] - Attitude of Victory
[50:24] - Joshua's Allotment
[51:47] - Ephraim's Compromise
[53:41] - Tribute Over Triumph
[55:24] - Manasseh's Disobedience
[57:12] - Avoiding Compromise
[58:15] - Courage Against Intimidation
[01:01:46] - Power of Gratitude
[01:03:51] - Areas of Compromise
[01:11:22] - Financial Faithfulness
[01:15:23] - Complaints and Gratitude
[01:27:24] - Trusting God's Provision
[01:30:57] - Gratitude Exercise
[01:34:51] - Homework: Gratitude Practice
[01:41:01] - Invitation to Prayer
[01:45:21] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 16:1-4
2. Joshua 17:12-18
3. Deuteronomy 20:16-17

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the initial command given to the descendants of Joseph regarding the Canaanites, and how did they respond to it? ([51:47])
2. How did the descendants of Joseph justify their decision to enslave the Canaanites instead of driving them out? ([53:41])
3. What was Joshua's response to the complaints of the descendants of Joseph about their land allotment? ([01:18:01])
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between a childlike perspective and an adult perspective? ([47:27])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What might the story of the descendants of Joseph teach about the dangers of compromise in one's spiritual life? ([55:24])
2. How does the sermon suggest that a complaining spirit can affect one's spiritual journey and relationship with God? ([01:21:23])
3. In what ways does the sermon propose that gratitude can transform one's attitude and spiritual well-being? ([01:30:57])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "tribute over triumph," and what are the implications for modern believers? ([54:30])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you might have compromised your values. How did it affect your spiritual life, and what steps can you take to avoid similar compromises in the future? ([57:12])
2. Consider your daily attitude. Are there areas where you tend to complain rather than express gratitude? How can you shift your focus to appreciate what God has given you? ([01:15:23])
3. The sermon encourages a daily gratitude practice. What specific time of day can you set aside to reflect on three things you are grateful for, and how will you ensure consistency in this practice? ([01:31:41])
4. Think about a challenge you are currently facing. How can adopting a childlike perspective help you see this challenge as an opportunity for growth and God's work in your life? ([48:22])
5. Identify an area in your life where you feel dissatisfied. How can trusting in God's provision help you find contentment and joy in that area? ([01:29:31])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and avoid the pitfalls of complaining? ([01:30:05])
7. Reflect on the story of the girl with the chicken nuggets. How can you demonstrate courage in refusing to compromise your values, even in seemingly small situations? ([01:00:28])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing a Childlike Perspective
A childlike perspective allows us to see the world with wonder and openness, qualities that can transform our spiritual journey. Children often see beauty and opportunity where adults see obstacles and limitations. This perspective encourages us to approach life with a sense of curiosity and trust in God's work in our lives. By adopting a childlike attitude, we can become more receptive to God's presence and power, allowing us to experience His blessings more fully. This mindset challenges us to let go of cynicism and embrace the purity of faith that comes from seeing the world through a child's eyes. [47:27]

Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been cynical or doubtful. How can you approach it with a childlike sense of wonder and trust in God's plan today?

Day 2: The Dangers of Compromise
Compromise with sin, even in small ways, can lead to spiritual bondage. The story of the descendants of Joseph in the book of Joshua illustrates how choosing tribute over triumph resulted in enslavement. They believed they knew better than God, a common pitfall for many today. This disobedience stemmed from a lack of trust in God's commands and a desire to take the easier path. By compromising, they missed out on the full victory God had intended for them. We must strive to obey God fully and resist the temptation to think we know better than Him, recognizing that even small compromises can have significant spiritual consequences. [54:30]

Judges 2:2-3 (ESV): "And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars. But you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done? So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you."

Reflection: Identify a small compromise you have made in your life. What steps can you take today to align your actions with God's commands and avoid spiritual bondage?

Day 3: Cultivating Gratitude Over Complaints
Complaining is often a symptom of an attitude of defeat. By focusing on gratitude and appreciating what God has given us, we can cultivate an attitude of victory. This shift in perspective allows us to see God's blessings and align our attitudes with His will. Gratitude helps us recognize the abundance in our lives and prevents us from dwelling on what we lack. By choosing to be thankful, we open ourselves to experiencing God's power and presence more fully, transforming our spiritual journey into one of joy and fulfillment. [01:15:23]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you found yourself complaining. How can you shift your focus to gratitude and recognize God's blessings in that situation today?

Day 4: Practicing Daily Gratitude
Setting aside time each day to reflect on what we are grateful for can reprogram our minds to focus on the positive. This practice not only enhances our spiritual well-being but also prepares us to fully follow the Lord and experience His power in our lives. By intentionally cultivating gratitude, we train our hearts and minds to see God's hand in every aspect of our lives. This daily practice helps us develop a habit of thankfulness, which can transform our outlook and deepen our relationship with God. [01:31:41]

Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: Set aside five minutes today to list three things you are grateful for. How can this practice become a daily habit to enhance your spiritual well-being?

Day 5: Trusting in God's Provision
God has given us everything we need for a godly life. Trusting in His provision and being content with what we have can prevent us from falling into the trap of constant dissatisfaction and complaining. By appreciating His blessings, we can live a life of gratitude and joy. Trusting in God's provision means recognizing that He knows what is best for us and that His plans are for our good. This trust allows us to rest in His care and find contentment in every circumstance, knowing that He is our provider and sustainer. [01:29:31]

2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle with contentment. How can you trust in God's provision and find joy in His blessings today?

Quotes

1. "When I look at a patch of dandelions, right, I see a bunch of weeds trying to take over all the grass that was once nicely growing. My daughter, she sees flowers. She sees a little thing to blow it into the wind. When an adult looks at an old drunk standing on a corner that's been there for a couple days, an adult may see a smelly, dirty person who probably just wants money for more alcohol. And so they tend to look away. Even if that man is smiling at me, we still tend to walk away. Our children, they don't see the drunk, they don't see the dirty. They don't see him wanting money from alcohol. What they see is the smile. And they smile back." [44:49] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You can look at challenges ahead. You can look at things that you may not like. You can look at things that you're struggling with. You can look at things that just don't sit right. You can look at things that just got you to your boiling point. And you can be discouraged. You could be angry, you could be frustrated. Or you can see them as opportunities for growth and for God to demonstrate his power through you. The question is this morning, how can we adjust our attitudes?" [48:22] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Instead of driving out the Canaanites like they were told to do, Ephraim's descendants, they choose to enslave them. In direct contradiction to what God said, they made them slaves. Deuteronomy, if you don't remember, this is like God speaking directly to the nation. Deuteronomy in chapter 20, verse 16 and 17 says in those towns that the Lord your God is giving you as a special possession, destroy every living thing. You must completely destroy the Hittites, the Amorites, the. The Canaanites, the perizzites, the Hevites, the Jebusites, just as the Lord God has commanded to you." [52:47] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Today the message is, don't do the same. Don't do the same. Don't compromise with the enemy because you too can end up bondage. And some of you guys like, oh, I ain't compromising, pastor. I ain't doing it. Little do you know that so many of us compromise in so many different areas of our lives. Do not compromise your allegiance do not compromise in your allegiance to the Lord. If you're going to change your attitude. Who wants to change your attitude? If we're going to change our attitude today, we have to understand that we need to follow the Lord in every area of our life. Every area of our life. Choose to obey God completely and you overcome the enemy in your life." [57:12] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you want to exchange an attitude of defeat for an attitude of victory, then you cannot compromise your allegiance to the Lord. Instead, we need to follow the Lord fully. We got to obey him completely. But in order to obey him completely and follow him fully, did you know that you got to actually fully appreciate everything that God has done for you, because if you don't, you really can't follow him fully because you don't really understand what he has truly done for you. Do you understand? So what happens is here we have to be thankful for all of God's blessings in your life." [01:14:23] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "How can you ever appreciate anything the Lord is doing in your life? How can you truly appreciate anything that the Lord is truly doing in your life if it's from one complaint to another and to another? How can you have an attitude of victory when there's so much negativity? So Joshua turns around after they said they're too weak. And he says, in 1718, he says, Joshua says, to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph, since you are so large and strong, you will be given more than one portion. The forest of the hill countries will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish. Take possession of its farthest corners, and you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots." [01:19:00] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We live in an amazing society, yet nobody is ever happy. Oh, my goodness. Now, I know these last four years have changed certain things because of COVID and lack of employment in fast food industry. But let me tell you something. Fast food was just getting faster and faster and faster and faster and faster. I'm talking about, like, you could be like, hey, I want to. Here you go. That's how it was. Like, that's pretty much where we were before COVID And still people would complain about how long it would take. Now there's so much going well, so much going, good for you. Good for you. So much that to praise God about. Yet many people are not happy." [01:21:23] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Stop complaining and start thanking the Lord for all the blessings in your life. Be grateful for what he's done. Have a gratitude. Gratitude is the attitude of victory. In closing, I want to say, in closing, I want to say this. Sean Aker, or Acker, was a psychologist who teaches at Harvard, who taught at Harvard, and he suggested that we train our brains to become more grateful by setting aside. Ready? Write this down. Five minutes. Every day at the same time. Every day. Right? So every day at 06:00 p.m. every day at 06:00 a.m. every day at 05:00 a.m. whatever. Pick a time in the day, every day, five minutes. And write down three things that you are grateful for. They don't have to be big things, but they have to be, like, real things. Specific things." [01:30:05] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The world has us thinking of all the negatives so much. It has. Many of our minds are programmed to think negatively. Some of us, we grew up in struggles. Some people have struggled their whole life and therefore have been forced to think a certain way. But God wants to change that. He wants to reprogram that mind. He wants you to see people and be happy. He doesn't want you to see people and see problems. He wants you to see people and be heartbroken for the things that they're going through." [01:35:59] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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