“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you… we are in charge of our attitudes.”

-Chuck Swindoll


C Michael Patton
C Michael Patton

C. Michael Patton is the primary contributor to the Parchment and Pen/Credo Blog. He has been in ministry for nearly twenty years as a pastor, author, speaker, and blogger. Find him on Patreon Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary (2001), president of Credo House Ministries and Credo Courses, author of Now that I'm a Christian (Crossway, 2014) Increase My Faith (Credo House, 2011), and The Theology Program (Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, 2001-2006), host of Theology Unplugged, and primary blogger here at Parchment and Pen. But, most importantly, husband to a beautiful wife and father to four awesome children. Michael is available for speaking engagements. Join his Patreon and support his ministry

    10 replies to "Attitude"

    • Stan Hankins

      Michael and all my other brothers and sisters: This is so important. Can I ask you guys to do something for me? I have a horrible attitude, I always have. I have battled it all my life and I need your prayers. My desire is to have a loving, kind, content , thankful attitude. Will you guys pray for me? My name is Stan I live in Chattanooga. I covet your prayers!! Thanks and God bless you all. Grace and peace to you.

    • Leslie

      Stan: This is Leslie from India, and I just prayed for you, as you’d asked! God bless!

    • Lisa Robinson

      Stan, that has to be one of the most refreshing things I’ve read on this blog since I started following it a couple of years ago. Oh that more would be honest and take ownership of their stuff. God bless you brother and I pray that the fruit of the Spirit will abound in you.

    • Ben

      Indeed.

    • Matt B.

      A great, short, to the point post. Our hearts are reflected in our attitudes – another example of how actions speak louder than words.
      Stan – thanks for sharing your weakness and I will indeed pray for you brother!

    • Chris Skiles

      Stan, I’m sure all of us can identify. I know I can. A good attitutde is such a struggle for me.

      I just said a short prayer for you as well.
      I know how you feel.

    • JRoach

      People are drawn to and respect those who can maintain a positive attitude while facing adversity. Anyone can complain but it takes strong character to be positive. Trusting in an omnipotent and loving sovereign God should be all that we need to have that kind of attitude.

    • Robert Jimenez

      Michael, I once heard Chuck Smith say (quoting from memory so it may not be exactly, but good enough for a paraphrase):

      “In an instance God can change my views regarding a doctrine I hold, but it can take a lifetime for God to change my attitude”

      What you quoted above is how I try to live my life.

    • humanitas remedium

      Thanks so much for this.

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