All-important Attitude

There is science behind the old adage “one rotten apple spoils the whole bunch.” Over-ripened apples spread chemicals causing other apples to ripen faster, slowly rotting them. Three chemicals produce this reaction: phenols, enzymes and oxygen.

Enzymes and phenols dwell separately in apples’ cells. If the cells open or bruise from cutting, it can cause interaction between the two, with the oxygen accelerating the chemical reaction, making the other apples next to them rot.

Often this analogy is used when referring to bad attitudes in a group that spoil an event.

Choose One

In life there are only good and bad attitudes. You are always exhibiting one, and both spread to those around you. At the Feast, Sabbath services, Ambassador Youth Camp, or any activity in life, the way you express your attitude makes an impact. What happens is not always in your control, but the attitude you have is.

Do you allow others to dictate your attitude?

Rotten Apples Spread

The book of Numbers contains several instances of “bad apple” attitudes spreading through the camp of Israel.

God selected Moses to lead ancient Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness and to the Promised Land. Korah, Dathan and Abiram, lusting for power and control, challenged Moses’ authority. An attitude of rebellion arose in the camp. Korah’s bad attitude had a snowball effect, similar to an avalanche roaring down a slippery slope, crushing every object in its path.

“And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly...and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, you take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift you up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord” (Num. 16:2-3).

Korah thought he had the right to lead the camp. He was not content with his special position as a Levite serving in the Tabernacle. He was not interested in maintaining an attitude of service, but wanted to be served. In the end, Korah’s error caused all who listened to him to be swallowed alive by a split in the earth.

However, the conclusion could have been changed if Korah had put a different thought in his mind. Instead, his rotten, contaminated attitude spread to 250 men, who perished with him (vs. 31-35). Korah allowed bad thoughts to build in his mind, leading to awful consequences. What a person thinks about eventually becomes his actions (Matt. 12:34).

Frame of Mind

When arriving at a social outing, is your attitude one of “serve me,” thinking, “What am I going to get out of this?” Do you reach your destination with an open mind, ready to receive instruction, and look forward to applying it?

Among young people today, the “anything goes” attitude is normal. Most think, “As long as I am not hurting anyone, what’s the problem?” The problem lies with not noticing how your attitude contributes to your environment. Often, it is easy to see the effects of others’ behavior, but you need to be aware that your attitude can also affect a situation. By having a bad attitude, you are selfishly ruining the conversation or activity. We are all capable of this if we are not carefully examining our demeanor.

Recognize attitudes are connected to thoughts, and are expressed through actions. What you say, think, and do is affected by the attitude you have.

Where do these attitudes originate? Satan the devil is the author of bad attitudes. As the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2), he sends bad attitudes into the minds of all human beings. He is like a music DJ pumping out new albums, number-one, chart-topping hits day after day, bombarding the airwaves with a bad attitude remix! Listening to any of Satan’s “albums” can cause big problems for your mind. And the station is always on! Everywhere you go his music is playing. The carnal mind is naturally hostile, and doesn’t want to obey God, which makes it fertile ground for Satan to sow his seeds of wrong attitudes (Rom. 8:7).

Right Choices

Each situation requires a choice. You can choose to have a good attitude each day. For instance, if you are around a negative person, you can counteract their attitude through a positive outlook. If he is a close friend, you may even be able to address his attitude with a little light humor. If this person is always negative, you may want to stop spending time with him altogether. Remember, evil communications corrupt good manners (I Cor. 15:33).

When insulted by an individual’s attitude, a good response can turn the situation around. Try using inspiring words to counteract his negativity. For example, if you are playing a sport, someone may say, “Their team is bigger and better. We’ll never win. Let’s just get this over with.” You can counter with, “By working together as a team and helping one another, victory will be ours!”

When problems arise, choose to accept them and have the proper attitude to learn from the experience. One day you could teach others how to overcome this same type of obstacle.

Attitude Is Altitude

Again, whether Feast days, Sabbath services, or life in general, your attitude is all-important! God wants you to have a positive attitude. His purpose for you is to eventually learn His way of life, be joyful, and build His character, which can be built only by choosing to do right against the pulls of wrong, no matter the consequences. This is accomplished through various trials and tests set before you. Maintaining the right attitude during these hardships will produce priceless results.

The altitude of attitude begins in the mind. By maintaining positive thoughts, you will better your attitude. This will help give you the added lift you need, similar to an airplane rising off a runway. Being upbeat and positive not only makes you feel good, it spreads to others and uplifts them—bringing joy!

Practice the habit of smiling at people; it usually induces a smile in return. Your pleasing and happy demeanor will spread like a bad attitude—but with positive results! Helpful attitudes encourage and strengthen others. Think about all the people in life with whom you have come in contact. Do you want them to remember you for your good attitude or negativity?

Another spectacular Ambassador Youth Camp is right around the corner. Remember all the wonderful games, hikes, singing and writing you enjoyed last year? You practiced working together with other individuals, promoting an atmosphere of unity and peace, as you learned an assortment of lessons. Keep these wonderful memories in mind and emulate the positive examples you saw in others.

The chance to experience AYC comes only once a year. Begin exhibiting and projecting a positive attitude now, so that you can fully enjoy camp. Doing so will make this the best AYC ever, and allow you to make the best of every situation in life!