Thornleigh Seventh-day Adventist Church (Sydney, Australia)

Home > Online Magazine > Online Magazine: Edition 51 - February/March 2013 > Pastor's Piece - Healthy Attitudes for the New Church Year

Pastor's Piece - Healthy Attitudes for the New Church Year

by Dr Alex Currie

 
Healthy Attitudes for the New Church Year

 
What we believe (thoughts) and value (principles and standards that are emotional imprints in our souls) develop into attitudes.  Beliefs often develop into values such as respect for others, simplicity, or harmony.   People experience attitudes as we respond to a variety of stimuli and situations in everyday life.  Attitudes can be positive, negative or neutral.   The prospect for good health and long life, besides being genetically determined, are dependent upon mental habits learned from childhood. Such attitudes create emotional reactions which strongly affect the immune system, circulatory system and even the risk of accidents.   Beliefs are taught, values are caught while attitudes are bought or forged into the character in our early years. 

One liner's are easy to remember and when memorized may help us to think, value and even change attitudes.  Here are twelve helpful thoughts to consider (and do something about) early in this new year that may spark thoughts, generate values and even change attitudes.

  1. "Religion is like a swimming pool - most of the noise is at the shallow end." - quoted on BBC Radio 4 Morning Thought programme, on 9 January 2007.
  2. When you say, "I love you", mean it deeply and passionately.
  3. When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.
  4. Never laugh at anyone else's dreams or vision.
  5. Phone your parents or grandparents or closest relatives asking questions that enable you to connect.
  6. Pray often and read the Bible regularly, such habits develop immeasurable power and provide inner spiritual strength. A good way of doing this is through the Sabbath School lesson.
  7. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
  8. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values. (principles)
  9. A loving climate is so important - do all you can to create a tranquil, harmonious and peaceable atmosphere at home, work and in our church relationships.
  10. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
  11. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation - don't raise the past.
  12. Trust in God but lock your car and your house. God doesn't do things supernaturally that we can do naturally. There is an economy of miracles.

Make the most of this year and enjoy the time God gives you.

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