We use many types of instruments to measure things. We have scales to measure how much we weigh, rulers to measure length, clocks to measure time, and thermometers to measure temperature. Our cars have speedometers and odometers to measure speed and distance.
There’s one instrument that actually helps save lives—the barometer. Sailors use barometers to forecast the weather. When the barometer measures high pressure, sailors know it will be clear sailing. When the barometer indicates low pressure, it usually means it will rain. A sudden or drastic drop in pressure warns sailors that a bad storm is approaching—probably not a good time to go out on the ocean.
The ocean isn’t the only place where storms happen. Storms can happen in our lives, and storms can happen in our relationships. These storms happen when a our emotions get out of control. When our emotions get out of control, our life can become a raging storm that can tear us and our friendships apart.
Normally, our emotions are calm and peaceful. We get along with people, and we don’t get bent out of shape when something doesn’t go our way.
Sometimes, however, we allow storms to brew in our heart, and if we’re not careful, the storm will grow, and our life can get out of control.
Fortunately, God has given us attitudometers. An attitudometer is an internal gauge that measures your attitude. Some people call these attitudometer “conscience”. Sigmund Freud called it the “superego”. Whatever you call it, your attitudometer is what helps you to know if your attitiude is calm or stormy. It helps you know when a storm is brewing in your heart.
Learning to read your attitudometer is not always easy, but with practice, you can become a skilled meteorologist who can accurately predict an approaching storm.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you read your attitudometer.
• Are you happy? Or are you upset?
• Are you being agreeable or are you being disagreeable?
• Can you overlook mistakes of others or do you point out their mistakes?
• Do you compliment people for good work or are you critical?
If your attitudometer tends to indicate negativity, maybe it’s time for a change. Make a commitment to be positive, affirming, cooperative, trusting, and respectful.
A good way to have a better attitude is to read the love chapter of the Bible. The love chapter is in First Corinthians chapter thirteen where we read:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
Read this verse every day and ask God to help you have a good attitude. This way, you can make a safe harbor for you, your friends, and your family. Allow God’s love to chase away the storms, and let the peace of God fill your life with a positive attitude. Check your attitudometer everyday, so you don’t get caught in a storm.
Leave a Reply