Attitudes/Answers with Olen Baker

Step one: Drop the attitude and start listening to what God has in store for your life.  As the sun rises on each day, it's another opportunity to learn about life.  Take some time to talk to God.

Maturity is growing your accountability in Christ.  Will you ever achieve perfection in life? That's not the point.  Maturity is learning how to listen and respond to God.

It isn't what's on the outside that condems a person, it's what is on the inside.  Here's the question.  How is your conscience?

Have you ever done something and just a moment later, wondered why?  You're not alone.  Your acts create your character and your character defines who you are.  Stop and think, then ask God what you should do.  

Okay, you can do this.  And practice makes perfect.  Whatever is true and admirable, noble and lovely, pure and right.  Those words can turn your day and your life around.  

How do you rank yourself as a member of God's family?  We try to fit in with various social situations, and that's okay.  But think about God's family.  How you fit in there is the most important place.

We all make bad decisions.  Many times we live with the results.  How about turning bad into good.  Mistakes in life are meant to be corrected.  And you do that with the help of God.

Sure, you can avoid responsibility and life will go on.  What you are missing is the rich blessing God gives each of us.  God will help you get there.

Being accountable means you are walking the path God intended.  Walk in His footsteps and you will build an accountable life.

Excellent at what?  How about life in general.  At the core of life is, are you excellent as a child of God.  Good grades, tons of money, a membership at the club.  That's not excellence, it's the other side of what's important in life.  

One word.  NO.  Perception of who you are is an important facet of your life.  Think about it.  How would you like to be remembered?

Every decision we make has a reality factor...an outcome.  Saying you will do something, then not doing it, is never acceptable.  Say it, do it.  And be honest.  If you can't, tell the truth.

Solving a problem ALWAYS begins with a conversation with God.  Think of it as a foundation for a positive result.  The best part, He is always there. 

Simply, a human responding to a situation, any situation.  Heroes don't just do the big stuff, they do the little things that make a big difference.

Character and destiny are measured by courage, accountability, and faith.  Allow God to walk by your side and stay tuned in to what He says.  Not just every now and then...always.

Do what is right.  With God by your side, you have what's necessary to always respond that way.  Turn off the noise of the world and listen to God.  He will help you, every time.

It's easier to walk away or ignore a need.  You're just too busy, right?  Courage is taking time to stop and engage, to help a person in need or address an issue.  Showing courage is not easy, but always the right thing to do.

Sure, your schedule is over-booked and your attitude and energy is overwhelmed.  We exist to help others, just like Jesus did.  Put yourself second in line and do what's most important.  You can adjust your schedule.

So, are you a peacemaker, or an agitator?  Face it, you're not always right and the other person's opinion and feelings are well worth hearing.  It's time to talk less, and listen more.  That's a bonding moment.

Did you know that you do yourself a favor when you're kind?  It's true.  God is the true example of how kindness can change another person's life, and you get the benefits as well.  Share a little kindness today, and see what happens.

Just a few words can damage a relationship.  Your choice of words, your tone of voice can destroy goodwill.  In a bad mood?  Take time to visit with God.  The spoken words can wait.

One word; accountability.  YOU are responsible for YOU.  Better choices are not easy and many make the same mistakes over and over.  Is that you?  Be accountable.

You can't undo a mistake, you can only learn from it.  Put your ego away and let God show you how to correct it and move forward.  

Making mistakes is unaviodable.  Mistakes are forgivable IF they serve as a teaching moment.  And yes, God does use your mistakes as teaching moments.  Pay attention to His voice and learn from His wisdom and grace.

Maturity happens for most people.  Teaching your children that there are consequences for bad behavior is a foundational aspect of helping them mature.  Don't make excuses for them, or enable them by deflecting the truth.  Help them build that bridge to maturity in a way that also builds integrity.