A.A.

"Hello, my name is Brian Tysdal and I belong to A.A.."

It's true, I belong to a club with these initials but it might not stand for what you think. You see "A.A." is not short for Alcoholics Anonymous but is instead the letters that represent a group that is far larger- in fact this group is global with members in the billions!

Welcome to the group concerned with "Attitude Adjustments". 

We've all been there: from time to time we find ourselves subtly shifting in our hearts- maybe it's an unnecessarily harsh word aimed at a city councillor, or a slowly growing attitude of bitterness toward a co-worker, or just a general sense of "I deserve better than this!". Whatever it may be, there are times when we just need to have our attitudes adjusted. 

That's where I was recently and it's amazing how I got to that place without even knowing it. 

Disagreeing with an organization or a person is a prime environment for bitterness and eventually self-righteousness to take root. I know this because I allowed it to happen in my own heart. And I didn't realize how it had changed me until God showed me what was going on. 

And it was kind of interesting how he got my attention: through the gentle and humble attitude of my wife as we were talking about some of the things related to the issues I was facing. 

I was certain that I was justified in my position, but as I was defending myself it became more and more clear that I was way out of line and I needed an attitude adjustment. 

And it was a revelation to me how bitterness had taken root because as I began to confess being out of line my heart began to be filled with peace and joy. I was given a sense of well-being as God adjusted my attitude!  

The Bible has something to say about all this:

Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Maybe you have been carrying around a heavy heart recently?  Maybe you find yourself in a disagreement and you are so convinced you are right that you are slowly becoming bitter toward your "enemy"?  If so, you need to join A.A. and ask God to help you confess your bad attitude and find a new kind of peace and joy. You may be surprised, like I was, to discover how good it feels!

BT

Pastor Brian Tysdal

Rock of Ages Church

Saskatoon, Sask.