Taking Leave Of His Senses

Taking Leave of His Senses

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Philippians 2:5

An old adage says, “Attitude is everything!” And that’s a fact. With the right attitude, mountains of trouble become molehills easily spanned, and hysteria can become hilarity. Being positive and upbeat makes life more enjoyable and less arduous, something to which you can look forward. With the right attitude, relationships are sweeter, work is not drudgery, and duty is handled with a smile.

The apostle Paul challenged us to have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had—one of humility, sacrifice for others, and hope. Can you imagine how good life would be if everyone had that kind of attitude? Think of how that would change the hours and days of your life as you interact with other people.

A certain American soldier, attached to one of the American tank units fighting with the British in the Libyan campaign during World War II, had been carried by the requirements of the service many miles deep into the heart of the desert with his comrades. This outpost at the front had been quiet for several days, so the soldier found himself one afternoon with a few hours’ leave, and he became inventive.

It was with some surprise that his commanding officer spotted the man striding purposefully across the desert sand clad only in his green-striped swimming trunks and carrying a cooler and a brightly colored beach towel.

“Murphy!” shouted the officer in some astonishment. “Where in the world do you think you’re going?”

“Why, sir,” said the soldier, “I just thought while I had a couple of hours off, I’d take a dip in the beautiful surf.”

“Are you crazy?” demanded the officer. “The ocean is five hundred miles away from here!”

The soldier responded, “Beautiful big beach, isn’t it?”

Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us the kind of attitude we need to have to make our lives better. Help me to develop the same attitude about life and living that you demonstrated when you were here on earth. Amen.