There’s a lot of attitude in my house these days.  Though my grandsons have been living with me now for almost three years, it’s as they get to be 3 and 4 ½ years old that the attitude-o-meter in the house finds itself spiking frequently.  Oh, for the days when they just goo-ed and gah-ed and were for the most part pretty docile.  (Don’t kid yourself, while those were good days, these days are such a blast . . . as a guy who was blessed to be involved in bringing up 5 girls, these two boys have brought about a wealth of new experience and joy.  But I digress.  Back to the attitude.)

This morning as I walk down the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11, I’m picking up some attitude that’s being laid down.

By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.   (Hebrews 11:7 ESV)

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. . . For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.  (Hebrews 11:8, 10 ESV)

By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.  (Hebrews 11:11 ESV)

[Abraham] considered that God was able even to raise [Isaac] from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.  (Hebrews 11:19 ESV)

{Moses] considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.  By faith he left Egypt.  (Hebrews 11:26-27a ESV)

The writer to the Hebrews says that without faith it is impossible – yes, impossible – to please God (Heb. 11:6).  And then He curates a “Hall of Faith” which demonstrates what faith looks like in action, what pleasing God resembles. And as I wander the Hall this morning and take in its exhibits, I see attitude.

Noah did what he did, by faith, because of reverent fear of God.  In response to the goodness of God in making Himself known to Noah, in awe and wonder and rejoicing, he built a boat.

Abraham ended up going while not knowing because he was looking forward to something.  He had an attitude of expectation and anticipation for something ahead which was far superior to anything that lay behind.

Sarah, Abraham, and Moses all had a judging attitude.  Sarah judged God faithful.  She considered her God dependable and she delivered a baby.  Abraham judged God able to do all things.  He considered God capable of even raising the dead, and God kinda’ did (and definitely, one day, would).  And Moses judged the reproach of Christ as greater wealth than anything the world had to offer.  He considered that bearing His Savior’s shame, and being reviled as His Savior was reviled, worth it. For, like Paul, he considered “that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed” (Rom. 8:18). 

See the attitude?  I do.

Belief begets behavior. Attitude begets action.

Oh Lord, give me some attitude.

By Your grace.  For Your glory.