Attitude Adjustment

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

I remember when WWJD bracelets were all the rage. Four simple but powerful letters challenged me to ask myself, “What Would Jesus Do?” I’ll be honest: those four letters prompted me to adjust my attitude on more occasions than I care to admit.

I’ve been a nurse for over 20 years and I love what I do; however, caring for patients and their family members can be a tremendous challenge. It’s stressful, the work is hard, and there are times I feel underappreciated. Some days my patience wears thin. Being compassionate is hard and my ability to show mercy and grace weakens. If I’m not careful, my emotions can negatively affect my attitude.

Perhaps you know the feeling.

I don’t have that little yellow bracelet anymore, but I do have the Apostle Paul’s words in Colossians 3:23-24. Even though caring for others can be hard and situations challenge me, God’s desire is that I serve humbly and with all my heart. Paul says that I should display a Christ-like attitude in everything I do, and to serve others as if I were serving Christ.

So now, when caring for a patient gets difficult, instead of asking “What would Jesus do?” I ask myself, “What would I do if I were serving Jesus?”

Lord, thank you for the opportunities you give us to serve others. No matter what our career or job is, remind us of the importance of serving from our heart. During difficult times, help us to display Christ’s character in all we do, knowing that our service leads to an inheritance from you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The next time serving someone seems difficult, ask yourself: “What if it was Jesus who I was serving?” Then, respond accordingly!

By Marsha Pope
Used by Permission

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