“If the Mama Ain’t Happy”

“If the Mama Ain’t Happy”

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key verse:

Philippians 2:5, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (NIV)  

Devotion:

How does your attitude thermometer read today?  Women set the emotional tone for the entire household.  Several years ago a popular t-shirt slogan said, “If the mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”  We laughed because it was funny, cute, and so true. 

Browse through the following “Mama ain’t happy attitudes.”  Which emotions do you wear most frequently?

• I am the princess.  The world revolves around me.
• I’m bored.  I need more excitement in my life
• I’m grumpy.  Nothing ever goes my way.
• Poor me.  I do all the work around here. 

I don’t know about you, but I wear those attitudes more often than I care to admit.  However, as Christian women we are called to a higher standard of emotional outlooks.  The Apostle Paul instructs us in the book of Philippians, “ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (2:3-5 NIV) 

Let’s take a look at a few of the attitudes of Jesus.

• Gentleness 

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29 NIV)  

• Joy  

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:11 NIV) 

• Love

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV) 

• Kindness and Mercy

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not                   because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (Titus 3:4 NIV)

Each day, every moment we choose the attitudes we will wear.  Let’s decide right now to put on the attitude of Christ Jesus.  I believe our families will rejoice in the improved emotional climate of our homes. 

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, remind me each day to put on the right attitude. Help me incorporate your gentleness, joy, love, and kindness to every circumstance that comes my way today.  Let others see You in me. 

Application steps:  

On an index card, write down three negative moods that seem to plague you. Give some thought to three positive moods you desire more of in your life. Now in red pencil or ink cross out the negative and write next to it your three positive attitudes.  Tape it to your fridge as a reminder today of your need for an attitude adjustment. 

Refection points:       

What excuses do I use for my bad moods?

Would Jesus agree with my excuses? 

Which attitudes would my family say I “wear” the most?

How can I remind myself each morning to put on the attitudes of Jesus?

Power verses:  

Ephesians 4:22-24, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (NIV)  

Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)

Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”   (NIV) 

2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”  (NIV) 

© 2005 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.