I once taught a Bible class to college students with a section titled, "Spiritual Weapons."  I used Ephesians 6 to explain how Scripture and prayer are key spiritual weapons in our fight against sin and Satan.  Recently while reading 1 Peter, I realized that I have neglected another vital spiritual weapon.  Peter writes, "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin" (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).

 

Leave it to brash, impetuous Peter to teach us that ATTITUDE is one more key weapon we need in our armory.  What was Christ's attitude?  Hebrews 12:2 (WEB) says, "looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Christ had an attitude of looking past the pain to future joy.

 

Peter also continues in 1 Peter Chapter 4 preaching attitudes to the troops to prepare us for battle.  He highlights attitudes such as 1) live for the will of God, 2) do not live for evil human desires, 3) be prepared for unbelievers to think you are strange and to be abused by them, 4) be clear minded and self-controlled in order to pray and be prepared for the end of all things, 5) love each other deeply, 6) be hospitable without grumbling, 7) use your gifts faithfully to serve others, 8) speak as if speaking the very words of God, 9) serve with the strength God provides, 10) do not be surprised at suffering for Christ's sake, but praise God, 11) determine not to suffer for being any kind of criminal or meddler, and 12) commit yourself to your faithful creator and continue to do good.

 

Now there is a dozen attitudes for ya, but don't take it from me, read 1 Peter 4 for yourself and get ARMED WITH ATTITUDE!