Pastor Rich's Sermon, September 29, 2002

Do you have an attitude problem?   Have you ever notice it is always the other person who has an attitude problem?

Would you say that the Israelites had an attitude problem?

They have done nothing but complain, whine, and quarrel since they crossed the Red Sea.   No matter what God had done for them it was not enough.

Any parent of a newborn can tell you what that is like.   I would guess Kennedy’s parents are able to share a memory or two when no matter what they tried they could not satisfy Kennedy.   I am sure, like myself, you have seen children make their parents jump through rings in an effort to satisfy them.   Irregardless of who you are you will not be exempt from situations when all you want to do is throw your hands up in the air and say, “I give up!”   I know there have been times in my life when I wished I was actor Albert Finney in the movie Network when he stuck his head out his window and screamed as loud as he could, “I AM MAD AS HELL AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!”

Perhaps this technique would have worked for Moses.   Instead of responding to the Israelites complaining by asking them

“Why do you quarrel with me?
Why do you put the Lord to the test?”

Moses could have done a Lou Pinella routine. Lou Pinella is the manager of the Seattle Mariners. When he goes on the field to protest an umpire’s call it is not unusual to see him, throw is hat down, kick dirt, pick up a base and fling it into the outfield. Moses could have run through camp screaming and yelling, knocking down tents and throwing pots. Perhaps that would have changed the attitude of the Israelites.

We know from this morning’s scripture reading that Moses did not dig his heels in and have it out with the Israelites. We also know what Moses did do.

“Then Moses cried out to the Lord,
‘What am I to do with these people?’”

Moses sought God’s will. Moses sought God’s instruction, guidance and direction. Moses sought encouragement from God. Moses turned to God in prayer. By doing so God gave Moses specific instructions. Instructions that would not only satisfy the Israelites thirst for water, but their thirst for God.

What you do when you are confronted with life’s problems? Is your attitude more like the Israelites or more like Moses? Are you more problem focused or solution focused?

You can get any number of books today on problem solving. It is my opinion that they give the same basic advice. If you take out a pen and write these down, you will save yourself $10 or $20. Give careful thought to your problem. Rearrange your priorities. Discuss your problem with someone you trust. Accept good counsel.

I would urge anyone to follow such advice. BUT I would add one more step. The step I am suggesting is prayer. Unfortunately today prayer is all too often seen as a last resort. When all else fails PRAY. If Moses had followed this problem solving strategy he would have called the elders of the twelve tribes together. They would have carefully considered their problem. Looked at the viability of their options. Discussed the pros and cons and if by luck a caravan of wise men passed by they would have sought counsel from them. And then prayed to God that they made the right decision. But you and I know that is not what Moses did.

The first thing Moses did was PRAY,

“Moses cried out to the Lord,
‘What am I to do with these people?’”

In the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, ice skater Paul Wylie entered the first jump of his program with great confidence but then something went wrong. He writes. “A flash later my hand touches the ice; my blade will not hold. I start slipping and I realize it; I am falling. All I hear as I collapse to the ice is the empathetic groan of 20,000 people.

Paul was faced with a spilt second decision. What am I to do? He didn’t have the time to give careful thought about his situation or his priorities. He could not skate over to the side of the rink and discuss his situation and get counsel from his coach. Either he could focus on his mistake and give up OR he could keep on skating and do his best. In that split second of time he prayed these words.

“Though he stumble, he will not fall;
for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”
(Psalm 37:24)

He continued his routine. He did not win an Olympic medal that year, but he did receive a tumultuous ovation for his determination and courage.

Like Paul, like Moses, you and I will be faced with situations that may knock us off our feet. A loved one dies, we may lose our job, we may be overlooked for a promotion, we receive an unfavorable medical report, and we may fall into sin. In each of these situations we will be forced to ask, “What am I to do?”

Pray, but don't just pray, pray FIRST. This was Moses’ attitude. This was Paul’s attitude. This was Jesus’ attitude.

“Your attitude should be the
same as that of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 2:1-11 reveals the attitude of Christ that you and I should have. Your attitude about prayer, your attitude about serving, and your attitude about life itself should be the same as Christ Jesus. By our baptismal vows this morning you and I have promised to have the same attitude of Christ Jesus. We have promised to lay aside our rights in order to serve others, to live as Jesus lived, to have a servant’s attitude, serving out of love for God and for others, not out of guilt or fear.

Did you mean it when you said, “I do.”

If you did an attitude of PRAYER is the first step, toward having an attitude of Christ Jesus. Only you can choose your attitude.