Has anyone ever told you that you have a bad attitude? If your attitude were like a weather forecast, what would it look like today—sunny, cloudy, stormy, or maybe even a hurricane warning?

Just like the weather can shape our day, our attitude shapes how we live, how others experience us, and how we experience the world around us.

What Is Attitude, Really?

At its core, attitude is a person’s belief or feeling toward a person, object, idea, or situation that influences their thoughts and behavior. Attitudes can be good or bad, positive or negative, and they shape the way we respond to life.

Think of two students both told to clean their rooms before going out. One grumbles, complains, and drags his feet. The other chooses to do the chore cheerfully to honor God. The task is the same, but the attitude changes the whole experience—for them and for the people around them.

Which one would you rather spend time with?

Mood vs. Attitude

A bad attitude isn’t the same thing as a bad mood. Your mood is temporary and often beyond your control, while attitude is a mindset you choose. Moods come and go, but attitude is a lasting outlook that reflects the way you think.

In the Bible, “attitude” often refers to the mindset that guides our actions, thoughts, and relationships. A renewed mind, a servant’s spirit, or humility—all of these describe godly attitudes.

Spirit, Soul, and Body: Who’s in Charge?

Paul often wrote about our attitudes in his letters to the early churches. He explained that our spirit, soul, and body all play a role in shaping our lives:

• Spirit – Always aligned with God’s will.
• Body (flesh) – Naturally opposed to God’s will, corrupted by sin.
• Soul (mind, will, emotions) – The deciding factor. The mind thinks, the will chooses, and the emotions feel. Together, they determine whether we follow the Spirit or the flesh.

Scripture calls us to renew our minds, submit our wills, and surrender our emotions to God so that our lives line up with His Spirit.

Why Attitude Matters to God

When we accept Jesus, we are promised eternal life. But God’s blessings and protection in this life flow when we align ourselves with His Spirit. If we keep living the “old way,” we miss out on the fullness of what God wants for us.

Paul made this clear:

• Romans 6:1–2 – “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”

Paul’s reminder is simple: you are no longer who you used to be. Stop living like a “chicken” when God has made you an eagle!

Renewing the Mind

Paul repeatedly emphasized renewing our thoughts and choosing godly attitudes:

• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
• Ephesians 4:22–23 – “Put off your old self… to be made new in the attitude of your minds.”
• Philippians 2:5 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 – “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.”
• Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true… noble… right… pure… lovely… admirable… think about such things.”

Incorrect attitudes don’t come from your spirit—God’s Spirit in you is perfect. They come from un-renewed thinking. That’s why God calls us to continually reshape our mindset to reflect His truth.

Thermostat vs. Thermometer

Here’s a powerful illustration:

• A thermometer reacts to the environment. It simply reflects what’s going on.
• A thermostat controls the environment. It sets the tone.

When we let circumstances dictate our response, we’re living like thermometers. But when we choose kindness, patience, and self-control regardless of the situation, we’re living like thermostats. That’s the kind of attitude that honors God.

Paul lived this way. No matter his circumstances—imprisonment, beatings, or hardships—he chose a godly attitude that reflected Christ.

A Challenge for You

This week, when something negative or frustrating happens, pause and ask yourself:

“What attitude would honor God right now?”

Write it down, share it with a friend, or keep a reminder card in your pocket. Small changes in attitude can lead to big changes in your life and the lives of those around you.

When people hear the phrase “blind faith”, they often picture belief without reason, proof, or understanding—like trusting in scams, following superstitions, or sharing rumors without checking the facts. But is that what Christianity teaches? Some claim our faith in Christ is “blind,” yet Scripture paints a very different picture.

Blind Faith vs. Informed Faith

Blind faith believes without evidence. It’s like handing money to a scammer or wearing a lucky charm, hoping it works. By contrast, Christian faith is an informed faith—rooted in God’s Word, historical evidence, and eyewitness testimonies of Jesus’ life, miracles, and resurrection.

When Jesus said in John 20:29, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” He wasn’t endorsing blind faith. Instead, He was preparing His disciples to teach others to believe without physically seeing Him.

What the Bible Says About Faith

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as:
“The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

• Substance: the assurance and confidence that God’s promises are real, even if they haven’t yet come to pass.
• Evidence: the inner proof that unseen spiritual realities—God’s presence, heaven, answered prayers—are as true as what we can touch.

Faith is like ordering something online. You can’t see it yet, but the confirmation receipt guarantees it’s coming. God’s Word is our confirmation—assurance that His promises are already on the way.

Faith in Action

The heroes of Hebrews 11 lived out their faith:

• Abel gave his best offering without being told to.
• Noah built an ark before rain ever existed.
• Abraham left home without knowing where God was sending him.

Faith wasn’t passive for them. It was action based on God’s promises, even when the outcome was unclear.

Modern examples of true faith look like:

• Teens choosing Christ despite peer pressure.
• Families tithing while struggling financially.
• Believers stepping out to serve in new ways, trusting God with the results.

The Difference Between True Faith and Blind Faith

A clear picture of blind faith appears in Acts 19:13–16, when the sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons by invoking “the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” They used Jesus’ name like a magic spell, but because they had no real relationship with Him, the evil spirit overpowered them.

Contrast that with Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:28–31). He stepped out because he knew Jesus’ voice. His faith faltered only when he shifted his eyes from Jesus to the storm. True faith comes from relationship, not ritual.

Growing in True Faith

• Know God’s Word: Faith grows when we see how God has always kept His promises.
• Remember His track record: Keep notes of answered prayers and blessings as reminders in hard times.
• Stay in community: Faith strengthens when we walk with other believers.

Romans 10:17 reminds us: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

Final Thought

Christian faith is not blind. It’s not superstition or wishful thinking. It’s a confident trust in God’s promises, His Word, and His presence. True faith is about seeing with your heart, not just your eyes.

Walking in the Authority of Christ

Knowing Who You Are and Acting Like It

Have you ever noticed how people listen when a police officer directs traffic, but if you tried the same thing, drivers might just honk and ignore you? The difference is authority. A police badge isn’t just metal—it represents the power of the law.

In the same way, our student ID lets us into school, a backstage pass gets someone into a concert, and a coach’s word carries weight on the team. Authority comes from the backing behind you, not just from who you are.

That’s how it works with our faith, too. As Christians, our authority comes from Jesus—the King of Kings—who said:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18

That means He has ultimate power over everything—spiritual, physical, seen, and unseen.

Jesus’ Unlimited Authority

In Matthew 8, a Roman centurion came to Jesus asking Him to heal his servant. The officer basically said, “You don’t even need to show up—just say the word.” He understood how authority worked. Soldiers obeyed his orders, and he knew sickness had to obey Jesus’ command.

Jesus wasn’t just a teacher; He had authority over life, death, sickness, and even the spiritual world.

Our Authority in Christ

The mind-blowing part? Jesus shares His authority with us. In Luke 10:19, He told His followers:

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

Here’s what that means for us:

• Authority – We carry Jesus’ backing.
• Snakes & Scorpions – Not actual reptiles, but symbols of temptation, lies, and attacks from the enemy.
• Power over the enemy – Satan can’t win when we stand in Christ’s authority.
• Nothing will harm you – Our souls, our salvation, and God’s love are untouchable.

Real-Life Examples for Teens

• Fear: When you feel anxious before a test or tryout, pray Philippians 4:6–7 and speak peace over your mind.
• Temptation: When friends pressure you to do something you know isn’t right, remember—you have the authority to say no.
• Lies: If someone spreads rumors about you, don’t let their words define you. God says, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
• Anxiety: Before a big game, performance, or audition, speak God’s promises instead of letting nerves take over.

Living Like You Believe It

The early church wasn’t full of superheroes—it was full of ordinary people who lived out their God-given authority:

• Peter healed a paralyzed man.
• Paul cast out demons.
• Thousands believed after hearing the gospel.

And here’s the truth: you have that same authority today.

Your Challenge

Next time fear, lies, or temptation show up, stop and ask:

“What authority do I have in Christ over this?”

Then speak God’s Word into the situation. Remember—you’re not just a teenager trying to survive life. You’re a child of God, backed by the King of the universe.

So walk with confidence. You’re not powerless—you carry the authority of Christ.