Philippians 2:5 “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” 

One of the foundational character traits in leadership is “attitude.” For the Christian man, it should be the attitude of Christ exhibited in all that he does. Attitude is a character trait since it determines our behavior and actions toward people, circumstances, situations and even God. It is how you look at these and act toward them. If we have the same attitude as Christ, we will be positive, optimistic and confident. It will be lived out through His Spirit living in us in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are attitudinal characteristics of a positive and successful leader following the example of Christ. Team spirit starts at the top and that means you and me out front leading those whom God has given us to lead.

As we look at the world’s attitude today, we don’t have to be pessimistic or defeated because we can live in the attitude of Christ knowing that He is in charge and is the winner. We all like to follow winners, and Jesus is the one winner to follow. With His attitude in us, we are to lead our teams and families with a positive, “can-do” attitude. Attitude is personal, and we are in charge of our attitudes. I read that first we make our attitudes, and then our attitudes make us. Our attitude toward God determines how we live for Him. If we have an attitude of love, thanksgiving, respect and gratitude, we will live for Him. Why? It is because of what Jesus did for us and our obedience to His living in us each day. It is what is on the inside that shows up on the outside. A weakness of attitude becomes a weakness of character. I had a pastor who once said, “If you have a bad attitude, then get a good one.”