The Winning Heart: 7 Heart Expressions to Become a Winner on the Field and in LifeSample

Heart Expression Two: Attitude

One of the most interesting parts of any sporting event is the player’s reaction after they finish competing. Often, players will reveal more than just their opinion on the game. They reveal their whole mindset and outlook on the results of the game. Some players talk about the team’s performance, some take credit for a win, while others may blame players or officials for a loss. You get a lot of different outlooks on the same game. Yet, one thing is true with a winner’s attitude after a game – their attitude is focused on improving and staying grounded regardless of the game’s results.

Winners don’t let circumstances control them; they are in control under all circumstances. This happens when you have a winning attitude. Attitude is a person’s mentality on how they approach and respond to their circumstances. A negative attitude allows emotions and circumstances to control perception. When life goes the way they want it, they are happy; when life doesn’t go the way they want it, they are unhappy. When our circumstances and emotions control our attitude, we make every situation about ourselves. As a result, we start to whine, complain, groan, shake our fists at God, and/or hurt people. Instead, having a winning attitude allows you to correctly respond to whatever situation you face.

Paul shares the winning attitude in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” He gives three commands to establish a winning attitude: rejoice, pray, and give thanks to God. Interestingly, he says to do these three actions in ALL circumstances. He says a winning attitude approaches and responds by having a mindset centered on the Good News of God through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the message of the Gospel. Acknowledge that through Jesus, your soul and life have been redeemed. God is in control. He is with you through the good and bad. He is the source of your fulfillment no matter what happens in your life.

Two ways to direct our attitudes towards God in your circumstances: 1) Pause, breathe, and say a prayer thanking God for his goodness and faithfulness. 2) Recite Romans 8:28 while committing the situation to Him.

Final Thoughts:

What is your typical attitude when you don’t get what you want, or life doesn’t go your way?

How can you change your attitude and focus on God in ALL circumstances?