The Attitude of..."Of Course..."

Have you ever come across anyone who has the attitude of "of course..."?

Let me explain.

My family and I did some traveling with a mission organization over a five year period where we lived in, and minister with people of, Central and South America.   

In our enthusiasm and naivete, we flowed along without much notice of the attitude of "of course". After almost three years and in our third country we began to realize that no one ever said "thank you" - to us, or even to one another. We also realized that even though we were very willing to give of our time, talent, and finances - no one took any sort of notice of it. It wasn't that we were looking for praise, or that we had a "savior" mentality. We just wanted to be a help. 

We began to take more notice of this "of course" attitude during our year in El Salvador. It was then that this concept really became clear. It became very evident that the "of course" attitude was one of, "well, God gave that to you to use so 'of course' your going to use it" or " 'of course' God gave you that, so you are suppose to give it away". Never a "thank you" or "God used you to be a blessing" just an "of course..." attitude. Sadly we encountered this same attitude in all four countries we served in, but we have also found it right here in the United States. 

When any one of us sees our work, whatever it is, as something we do because we are "supposed to", and then we project that mindset on those around us - we end up with the "of course..." attitude, which leaves very little room for thanks or appreciation. 

Why do I feel that this is a negative attitude to have? 

We are all frail, hopeless, sinful humans on our own. It is only by the grace of God and through the saving grace of His Son, Jesus, that we stand a chance of doing anything good and praiseworthy. So what gives us the right to "condemn" another person for doing what we feel is expected of them (a co-worker, a Christian, a parent, a teacher, a community worker) when we ourselves fail. This means, that as men and women, living on this earth, we are all equal, starting life and finishing it on level ground, so we need to see ourselves as equal in the eyes of God. We are all sinners in need of a Savior.   

Is there a solution to the "of course..." attitude? 

Compassion, encouragement, and thankfulness are good places to start. We should learn to be thankful to God for what we have, including talents and abilities, and then be willing to be thankful for what others have, including talents and abilities. We also need to humble ourselves enough to say "thank you" and not assume that someone should do something because God has given something to them.  

Combating the "of course..." attitude involves us not focusing on ourselves or on the "would be" efforts of others, but instead focusing on God. Here are just a few verses to get you started.

right heart attitude: Psalm 32:11, 64:10; 2 Corinthians 9:7 (cheerful giver)

thankful attitude: Psalms 63:5, 95:2, 100:4; Colossians 2:6&7, 3:15&16

joy-filled attitude: Psalm 105:13; Proverbs 17:22; Proverbs 105:43