Philippians 2:5 “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” (NAS)“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” 

The ESV uses the word “mind” for “attitude.”  The bottom line is that we should have the mind and attitude of Christ Jesus in every area and action of our lives.  If I asked you to describe the mind or attitude of our nation and people today, what five (5) words would you use for the general population and culture?  These words would come to my mind: angry, hostile, cynical, impatient, and anti-Christian.  I am sure that you could give many more which would be as accurate and concerning.  Most of us do not have close relationships with people like these if we are engaged with Christian people and a Bible believing church family.  Why do we describe our nation and culture with the words listed above?  It is because so many people in our nation and culture do not have the mind or attitude of Christ in their lives.  If they did, we would not have to use these words or live in the current environment.  They simply do not have Jesus in their hearts which determines their mind and attitudes.  There is no other answer. 

Why is the attitude of Christ so important?  It is a fact of life that our attitudes determine our behavior and actions.  Our attitude towards people and daily life determines our behavior and actions.  Attitude is basically a character trait.  It reflects what is in our heart.  It is what others see and hear in us.  It is what our lives say to others.  Clearly our attitude is reflected in the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control; against such there is not law.  Your attitude sets the tone (positive or negative) and the environment in your home, work and church settings.  In all walks of life, it is not education, training, family, talent, background, or even intelligence that makes a person a good leader.  While these are important and should be a component of good leadership, it is attitude that really makes the difference.  If I were to go into your home, workplace, or church and ask how the people there would describe your attitude and leadership, what words would they use?  Remember this: “Team spirit starts at the top.” Since this is true, your attitude as the leader of your team, you should make certain that it is the same as Christ Jesus.  I once had a pastor say that if you don’t have a good attitude, then get one.  The only way to get a good one is to have the attitude of Jesus in your heart.