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PROGRAM D-7008
Have you ever noticed how upset we get over the uncontrollable things that happen in our days? It’s one of our major energy leaks, and it can really ruin your attitude. I’m talking about our work attitudes—things we can do to keep our attitudes in good shape on our jobs.
Today or tomorrow, notice how often you get upset or irritated over things which are totally out of your control. I think you may be surprised to discover how often it happens. For instance:
- How often to you yell at traffic and other drivers because you think they’re driving crazy? Can you control the traffic? I don’t think so.
- When the copier is on the blink, do you beat on the machine and fuss and fume? I doubt that fixes the broken copier.
- When was the last time you griped and complained about the weather? Were you able to change it?
- When the ticket agent informed you that your flight was cancelled, did you give her a piece of your mind? I doubt it made any difference.
Trying to control the uncontrollable—it is a futile effort and all it does is put us in a bad mood. Then, while we’re fretting over things which we cannot control, we are losing control of the things we can control.
For example, we can control our words and avoid saying things that upset or discourage others. But when we’re trying to control the uncontrollable, we often lose control of the words we say and end up saying things that are hurtful or discouraging.
We can control how we think and bring every thought into captivity, but when we’re trying to control the uncontrollable, we lose control of our thoughts and start thinking all kinds of negative and unkind and untrue things.
Here’s a good motto for you and me to remember:
If you will control the controllable, you can cope with the uncontrollable.
The Apostle Paul tells us how to do that:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).
If we really practice this principle on our jobs, we’ll have very good work attitudes, and in the process we’ll reduce our stress, improve our productivity and enhance our witness for the Lord. God’s Word is relevant to the uncontrollable things that will happen to you today – don’t forget it.