"But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land." ~ Numbers 14:24 (NLT) Let's face it, your attitude will determine your destination in life. With that being said, what exactly does attitude mean? According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, attitude means "a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior. " I really like this quote by Zig Ziglar: "Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude." It’s A Choice Are you going to have a positive or negative attitude? Are you going to have a winning or losing attitude? There is only one person that can make that choice. It's not GOD, and it's certainly not the enemy. No, it's you. Listen, having free will is a God-given privilege, however, it's also a huge responsibility. Caleb, in particular, understood this fact. He chose to have a winning, positive, and grateful attitude in the midst of an extremely challenging situation. You see, Moses had selected twelve men to spy on the land of Canaan—the Promised Land (see Numbers 13). Sadly, ten out of the twelve spies came back with a negative, pessimistic report. Unlike Caleb and Joshua, the other ten spies took their focus off of GOD and HIS capabilities, and instead, chose to focus on the natural circumstances around them. The ten spies chose an attitude of fear instead of faith, pessimism instead of optimism, and doubt instead of confidence. Because of their negative attitude, they were not able to enter into the Promised Land. In other words, their attitude determined their destination—a destination of defeat, lack, unfulfilled dreams, regret, and death. They all perished in the wilderness and never reached their God-given potential (see Numbers 14:26-38). A tragedy indeed. The Eyes Of Faith Caleb and Joshua—on the other hand—perceived themselves through the eyes of faith. They chose to walk by faith, and not by sight. They knew their true identity in GOD, and had a winning, positive attitude. They understood that GOD's ability combined with their availability would result in absolute victory regardless of the circumstances. The Bible makes it very clear—from Genesis to Revelation—that the LORD desires the very best for us. HE wants us to possess that "Promised Land" flowing with love, joy, peace, health, prosperity, and purpose. However, regardless of how much HE desires that life for us, ultimately the choice is ours. Right? How do you see yourself? Seriously, when you look in the mirror, what do you see? When your head hits the pillow at night, how do you perceive yourself? These questions are extremely important because how you perceive yourself will influence the type of attitude you choose. And your attitude will directly affect the thoughts you entertain, the words you speak, and the actions you take. Therefore, it will determine your destination in life. Here's the reality: In this life you will come face-to-face with “giants.” The giants of lack, debt, strife, sickness, fear, doubt, discouragement, and rejection. Unlike the ten spies, choose to have a positive, winning, and grateful attitude. Decide to have faith in GOD and put your complete trust in HIM. A Practical Formula Make a quality decision to see yourself through the eyes of faith—the way GOD sees you. You might ask, “Renzo, how can I do that? How can I see myself the way GOD sees me?” I'm glad you asked. Here are four practical things I highly recommend you do: 1. Commune with the HOLY SPIRIT on a daily basis—throughout the day. 2. Meditate in HIS Word on a daily basis—day and night. 3. Associate with other people of faith—those that have a positive, winning attitude. 4. Exercise the gifts that GOD has placed within you—be a blessing. Bringing It All Together Like Caleb, be determined to have a different attitude—an attitude that pleases and glorifies GOD. And with the help, guidance, and empowerment of the HOLY SPIRIT, you will reach your God-given potential. You will take hold of the Promised Land GOD has for you. It's a land flowing with love, joy, peace, health, prosperity, abundance, and purpose. Remember, GOD is no respecter of persons. HE is, however, a respecter of principles. HE is a rewarder of those that diligently seek HIM
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