The 7 Ups Of Life

e. Jerry knew the secret—being happy and having a positive attitude is a choice.

f. Here are the Biblical foundations for that attitude, the seven “Ups!”

2. First—Wake Up!!

a. What is your attitude when you first awaken?

(1) Do you rush right into your routine? Are you immediately focused on what the day has in store for you, what lies ahead?

(2) Or, do you take the time to thank God for His grace and mercy, and ask His blessings on what lies before you?

b. Read Psalm 118:24—This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

c. The Psalmist makes it very clear, this day, or any day, is a gift from God. We should rejoice because of this great gift and be glad or happy in it.

3. Second—Dress Up!

a. So now you’re awake. It’s time for the morning routine—shower, shave, brush your teeth, and dress.

b. When you consider your attire for the day, do you consider your physical attire as well?

c. The best way to dress up, to put the finishing touches on your appearance, is to put on a smile.

d. Read 1 Samuel 16:7—But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

(1) Your friends, your co-workers, even your family, may focus on your outward appearance. That is, your new dress or your new suit, but God is not concerned with such things.

(2) Rather, God is concerned on what is on the inside. With Christ in your heart and the knowledge of what ultimately lies in store for you, how can you not smile?

4. Third—Shut Up!

a. I was taught long ago, if you can’t say anything nice about somebody, then say nothing at all.

b. Although the thought is a bit cliché, it would seem that since God gave us two ears and only one mouth He intended for us to speak less and listen more.

c. My Dad used to quote this little poem:

The mighty owl is a wise old bird.

The less he spoke, the more he heard.

The more he heard, the more he learned.

Now, wasn’t that a wise old bird?

d. Read Proverbs 13:3—He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

(1) Being careful of what you say keeps you out of trouble; whereas speaking hastily and thoughtlessly can bring trouble to not only you, but also to others.

(2) Speaking without thought can cause you to make promises you can’t keep, reveal information you shouldn’t, offend others, or misrepresent the truth.

e. Make it a point to engage your brain before you open your mouth.

5. Fourth—Stand Up!

a. Aaron Tippin, a couple of years ago, released a song that included these words in the lyrics, “…you’ve got stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”

b. As Christians, it is important that we stand up for our beliefs, for what we know to be true and right.

c. Read Galatians 6:9-10—Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.