“Do not grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”
James 5:9
What kind of influence do you have on those around you? Many years ago, I worked at a business that actively promoted the mantra, “Talk to, not about.” The employees knew that the success or failure of the business depended on everyone’s attitude, and the resulting culture we created in the workplace. The same can be said for life in general, and the Bible has a lot to say about attitude (Phil. 2:14-15; 1 Cor. 10:10; 1 Pet. 4:9).
The Scottish novelist Walter Scott (1771-1832) once stated: “For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.” Many people fail to reach their full potential, not because they lack ability, but because of their attitude to the challenges life throws at them. The writer of the book of James concurs when he says, “Do not grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged….” (See also: Matthew 12:36-37). When stress comes knocking at your door, what is your attitude? Do you grumble and complain, or are you patient and forthright addressing issues head-on as they come? Are you helping build a healthy and winning culture around you, or have you allowed yourself to become comfortable with tearing others down? What kind of influence are you having on the people around you?
Consider the following story: Joe Theismann, the famous world-class, American footballer, once enjoyed an illustrious 12-year career as quarterback of the Washington Redskins. He led the team to two Super Bowl appearances--winning in 1983 before losing in 1984. This was the same player but with two completely different outcomes. The difference in those two years was his attitude.
When a leg injury forced him out of football in 1985, he was entrenched in the record books as Washington's all-time leading passer. Still, the tail end of Theismann's career taught him a bitter lesson: “I got stagnant. I thought the team revolved around me. I should have known it was time to go when I didn't care whether a pass hit Art Monk in the 8 or the 1 on his uniform. When we went back to the Super Bowl, my approach had changed. I was griping about the weather, my shoes, practice times, everything. Today I wear my two rings--the winner's ring from Super Bowl XVII and the loser's ring from Super Bowl XVIII.” (The Difference Between Winning and Losing the Super Bowl | Ministry127). The entire team’s performance changed within the span of one year, because of Joe’s attitude. That’s the power of influence! That’s the power of one person!
Your attitude matters. My attitude matters. A good attitude leaves room for God to do his work in us and in others, so let us make every effort to create a peaceful environment wherever we find ourselves, because we will be judged for every careless word we speak.