A Bad Attitude Will Always Put You Out of Tune

The story of Jonah is a masterclass in how a bad attitude can pull us out of alignment with the heart of God. Before Jonah ever ran from God, his heart was already off. His attitude had drifted so far that when God called him to go to Nineveh, he didn’t just resist, he ran.

And just like in Jonah’s life, when our attitude is off, there are repercussions not only for us, but for everyone around us. Jonah 1:1-4 tells us that “the Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart.” Jonah’s internal storm produced an external one. A bad attitude always leaks.

When we’re out of tune with God, we become numb to the struggles of others. Jonah slept through a storm that terrified seasoned sailors. How often do we do the same, checked out, irritated, cold, or convinced that our frustration is justified?

Jonah eventually admitted, “Throw me into the sea… I caused the storm.” That level of honesty is rare, but necessary. Because even in Jonah’s rebellion, God still got the glory. Even in Jonah’s mess, God still moved. And even from the belly of a fish, Jonah prayed (Jonah 2:1–10). Aren’t you grateful that God gives 2, 10, and 50 chances?

The truth is this:A bad attitude comes in many forms…unrighteous anger, complaining, mercilessness, judgment, ingratitude, impatience, drama, pride, pouting, irreverence, and an un-evangelistic spirit. Jonah had them all. And at one point, Jonah essentially told God, “If I were You, I wouldn’t show them grace.” We’ve all felt that. We want people to get what we think they deserve instead of what God wants for them.

But our response is always our responsibility. We have to extend the same grace that was lavished on us, even as we keep healthy boundaries.

Philippians 4:8 tells us where to direct our thoughts: toward what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. That’s what tunes our hearts to God’s frequency.

“Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers met together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship.” - AW TOZER

So the real question today is simple, personal, and necessary:What do I need to shift in my attitude so that my heart is tuned back to God. Thanks to my pastor and great friend, Eric Stevenson at Cable Road Alliance Church for his message today that has been making me think today!