Week 4
Four Attitudes That Make Life Much Better!

"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10b

     Being under authority is not an unimportant or second-class position! In fact, when we who are under authority learn to consistently demonstrate four essential attitudes discussed below, we will have power to influence our authorities in many significant ways.
     When we learn to display the following four attitudes in our lives, we can gain a power of influence that surpasses even the power of position. If we lack these attitudes, our authorities are likely to ignore or resent our suggestions. By responding to our authorities in God’s way, we are enabled to do much for His kingdom.

A Reverent Spirit
     A reverent spirit involves believing that God uses those in authority to provide guidance for us, even if the authorities are not walking in the truth.
     The key to having a reverent spirit is to honor authorities for the simple reason that God has ordained them as His ministers for good.
     Read Numbers 12. How did God discipline Aaron and Miriam when they did not have a reverent spirit toward their brother/authority Moses?





     Remember that Moses was Aaron and Miriam’s younger brother. We see from the account in Numbers 12 that God expects us to have a reverent spirit toward our authorities simply because He has chosen to place them in their position of authority. This principle does not change even in situations in which our authorities are younger, less experienced, or less intelligent than we are.
     In your own life, which authorities are hardest for you to submit to?



     In the Biblical account of young Samuel serving under Eli the high priest, we can see that Samuel showed an exemplary reverent spirit. Despite Eli’s failures in the areas of self-control and child-training, Samuel respected Eli’s authority, and worked under Eli with the proper attitude. (For further study, see 1 Samuel 3-4.)
     In what practical ways can I demonstrate a reverent spirit toward my authorities?





A Grateful Spirit
      A grateful spirit is revealed by a happy nature and spoken expressions of gratefulness. A grateful spirit is highly valued by those in authority. An unhappy and ungrateful girl is like a public rebuke to her authorities.
     The key to having a grateful spirit is to yield our expectations to the Lord. Then we can be genuinely excited and grateful for any good that our authorities do, rather than having such high expectations that they are sure to fail in some area.
     What was the most recent occasion in which you expressed gratefulness to your authorities for something that they did for you?



     If someone were to ask your parents whether or not you are a grateful daughter, what do you think your parents would answer?

     Take a moment to think of a Bible man or woman who showed a grateful spirit.
Person:

How this person showed a grateful spirit:




     In what practical ways can you demonstrate a grateful spirit toward your authorities?





A Servant’s Spirit
     One with a servant’s spirit contributes as much as possible to the success of others. A heart attitude of seeking to serve our authorities and make them successful will go a long way toward developing great relationships with our authorities.
     Read Proverbs 31:10-29. How does the virtuous woman display a servant’s spirit?





     In what practical ways can you demonstrate a servant’s spirit toward your authorities?





A Quiet Spirit
     The Bible reveals that God highly values a quiet spirit in a woman. (See 1 Peter 3:4.)  A quiet spirit is that special inward peace that comes from completely trusting in God. A quiet spirit is not the same thing as having a shy and hesitant nature. It is possible to have an outgoing and fun personality, and still possess a quiet spirit.
     A woman with a quiet spirit does not become frazzled and upset when circumstances do not go as planned. She is able to overcome fears and worries because of her inward relationship with and confidence in the Lord. When troublesome things occur, one with a quiet spirit is able to just wait and trust God, rather than assuming responsibility that has not been given to her.

     CONCEPT TO THINK ABOUT: Read 1 Peter 3:3-6. Notice how this passage refers to having a quiet spirit, trusting in God, and being under authority. How are these three things related to each other?





     In what practical ways can you demonstrate a quiet spirit in your own life, particularly regarding your authorities?





     Week 4 memory work:
     1 Peter 3:3-6

     Sara's eyes were glued to the book. Her friend had lent it to her yesterday, and it was even more exciting than she'd expected. She couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
     "Sara, have you finished your work?"
     Sara's heart sank. "No, Mom." Reluctantly she closed the book and returned to her terrible math. School and chores seemed to take forever that day. Just when Sara thought she was finished, Mom would give her one more assignment. Water the plants; rock the baby; review her spelling. Sara didn't say anything, but she wondered why her mom seemed so intent on spoiling her fun. Finally, late in the afternoon, Sara escaped to her room and pulled out the book. She had just started reading when she heard Mom.
     "Sara! Have you cleaned the toilets yet?" 
      How should Sara answer? What kind of attitude should she have?