The Christian Grouch

It seems like an oxy-moron doesn’t it.  I mean, Christians aren’t supposed to be grouchy but I know that I’m a Christ follower and I occasionally have to work on my attitude.  How do we get to that point?  Jesus was never grouchy, unless you call him grouchy when he threw the money changers out of the temple.  That was more of a “Holy” grouchy and Jesus can do that.  Sometimes even when we try the “holy grouchy” thing, we look more like we’re judgmental and self-righteous.  (Not always, but sometimes.)

Most of the time when a person has a bad attitude it’s a reflection of a selfish heart.  Don’t believe me?  What do we get bad attitudes about?

• “That person cut ME off in traffic!”
• (At Walmart) “I wish they would hurry up and open another checking lane.  I’m late!”
• “They didn’t treat ME fairly!”

What’s in the heart is usually reflected in our attitudes.  One of my favorite chapters in the Bible that sets me straight in my attitude is Philippians 2.  Paul tells us that we should have the same attitude as Jesus.  He tells us to put others needs and desires ahead of our own and to consider others as more important than ourselves.  Seems that we “Christians” are always willing to helps others.  It makes us feel better about ourselves, but what about when we have to personally sacrifice to help others?  Would we give someone our own lunch if it meant that we will go without?  Would we give up our place in line when we’re in a hurry?  It’s not much of a sacrifice when it doesn’t cost us anything.

I heard someone say recently, “Everyone wants to be a part of a revolution but no one wants to do the dishes.” What’s in our heart comes out in our attitude.  You say you’re a Jesus-follower?  He was a servant.  He did the “dishes” and he didn’t complain about the “unfairness” of the Creator of the Universe having to wash the feet of His own creation.

Finally, I’ll close with another message from Philippians 2.

14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out^[c^] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.  Philippians 2:15

The NEV (New Eddie Version) says it like this:

“Since we’re Christ followers, let’s stop fighting and positioning ourselves for the best and let’s think of others as more important than ourselves.  Don’t complain and whine.  Grumpy Christians need to get over themselves. Get your heart right and your attitude will follow, as you become an example of Jesus to your family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers.”  Don’t be a “Christian Grouch!”

What do you think?