Attitude

Attitude can make all the difference in the world. I understand what a person means not just because of the words they say, but also the way they say it. A stance, or a look can be the difference between night and day in what is being communicated. Words spoken cross and sharp insert attitude in the communication. Words spoken softly and with kindness communicate a feeling, not just information. We seldom speak with just words. Most of our communication is invested with attitude. Dramatic moments in a movie or play take attitude. Tender moments whether spoken in movie dialogue or real life situations elicit tears because they arouse our feelings. The attitude is communicated and we respond in kind.

One of the dangers of attitude is precisely the ability to project your attitude onto another person. Anger directed towards another often arouses anger. Animated people quite often get others excited too. Frustration can be felt and fear in another can cause us alarm. Attitude can be infectious (Deuteronomy 20:8; 1 Corinthians 16:8).  If someone who is cheerful can cheer me up, and if my gloom can make someone else gloomy, then attitude is important.

I must admit, there are times when I let someone else’s attitude affect me in a negative way. By the same token, my attitude has not always been encouraging. Since my attitude can affect others, I want to be positive and upbeat, and at the same time must guard against a negative attitude dragging my own heart down (Luke 6:45). I have been around people who seem to always project negativity. There are those who sour my stomach because I know them to be bitter and angry people. I do not want to be around them and I actually try to dodge them at times.

What if I were so upbeat and positive that instead of letting them bring me down, I brought them up? What if I were to face the onslaught of negativity with a cheerful disposition (Proverbs 15:30)? My aim should be not to tear down, but to build up and encourage. The bible tells my that through the Holy Spirit, I am able to do that (Acts 20:32). Lord, may I not be discouraged by the attitude of others, but may I be a source of encouragement instead.

Scoffers

People of faith have often been the subjects of ridicule and are frequently viewed as ignorant and unsophisticated. The Bible tells us that scoffers will come (2 Peter 3:3; Jude 18), so we should not be surprised. Scoffing at the faith of another does not alter the object of that faith one bit. Let God be true and every man a liar (Romans 3:4). What is challenged is not the object of faith (God), but the subjects of faith (believers). No one likes to be made to look ridiculous. Peer pressure is applied with force, believers are forced into a posture of defense, confidence is shaken, and discouragement sets in. Perhaps that is why we are so often urged to encourage one another (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Hebrews 3:12-13, 10:25; Jude 20). Our best defense against the scoffers who seek to divide and conquer (Jude 19) is mutual encouragement.

Family Bible Camp

Another Family Bible Camp is over and everything is packed up and put away. There may still be a little mud between the toes here and there and some are still probably cookied out. I think every church in our conference sent about twelve dozen cookies to camp, and of course the kitchen crew felt obligated not to waste them. I probably will not eat another cookie for quite a while.

Security was kept pretty busy nights with campers trying to sneak out of the dorms and ring the bell next to the speaker's cottage. The youth seemed to enjoy the many activities. The mud pit seemed to be the favorite, though most seemed to enjoy the slip and slide baseball as well. Junior campers got in on the action with the water slip-n-slide. There was something for everyone, and the "Family" aspect of camp seemed to shine through this year.

The spiritual component of camp was centered around the "whatevers" of the Bible (i.e. Philippians 4:8) and campers of all ages were challenged with messages of commitment and the altar was pressed into service as campers were presented with many opportunities of grace.

Kevin and Lisa Hoffman served as our missionary couple and they were a joy to have with us. It was refreshing to see such youthful enthusiasm coupled with spiritual maturity.

Volunteers were an inspiration, as many of them spent their vacations to be at camp and to give their time and energy to serve others.

I am thankful for our Eastern Conference Family Bible Camp and hope God continues to use it to draw families and churches together in fun and fellowship, encouraging each other and growing together. I am already looking forward to next year.