In today's society, we are constantly bombarded with negative messages. Turning on the TV, we are often confronted with negative news such as reports of plane and road accidents, acts of terrorism or radicalisation, wars, natural disasters, and the list goes on. In order to capture the attention of viewers, news media tends to focus on more sensational and negative incidents, while positive news stories tend to receive less coverage. Scrolling through social media, negative comments are easy to find; there is always a naysayer or a critical remark. It is always easy to find fault and complain, especially in our culture in Singapore where high standards and efficiency are expected and we tend to take certain privileges or conveniences for granted.
It is easy to adopt a negative mindset when faced with constant negativity in the world, leading to anxiety, worry, frustration and grumbling. However, is this how a Christian’s perspective should actually be? How can we stay positive and obtain the peace of God in this troubled world we live in?
Be Content: Count the Blessings, not the Blight
Rather than dwell on the downsides of your situation, try to focus on the good things that the Lord has blessed you with. Adopting this mindset can help foster gratitude, improve mental well-being, and create a more optimistic approach to challenges. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 states, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” The apostle Paul wrote, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). We should strive to attain contentment like Paul, by focusing on our blessings rather than what we lack.
Practise Gratitude: Give Thanks, not Complaints
Philippians 2:14-15 states, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world”. Let us remember not to be like the ungrateful Israelites who complained in the wilderness even though God delivered them out of Egypt from slavery and oppression under Pharaoh's rule (cf Exodus 16:3; Numbers 11:4-6, 14:2-4). Let us remember what God has done for us and cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, just like the one Samaritan leper who was cleansed and returned to give thanks to Jesus (Luke 17:15-16). 1 Thessalonians 5:18 mentions, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Being thankful allows us to be more effective Christians as we adopt a more positive outlook on life, counteracting the negative “grumbling” attitude.
Adopt a Growth Mindset: Don’t dwell on the past; Apologise, Forgive, Learn and Move On
Having a growth mindset means that rather than harping on our past mistakes and failures, we learn and grow from them. In a physical sense, it is akin to teaching and helping a child to walk – when they fall, instead of scolding and berating them or even leaving them helpless on the ground, we encourage them to stand up from where they fall and continue walking, because we know that practice makes perfect. From a spiritual perspective, 2 Corinthians 7:10 reminds us that “godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Should we be like Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5), whom, pierced with worldly sorrow, thus drowned in guilt (eventually leading to his unfortunate tragedy of suicide), or should we adopt a growth mindset like Simon Peter (John 21:15-19), who, despite denying Jesus three times, displayed godly sorrow, repented and moved on to do great things for Jesus? As stated in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”, the apostle Paul acknowledges that he had not fully attained spiritual perfection but emphasised the importance of focusing on the future and the goal set by God through Christ Jesus. He used the metaphor of an athlete straining towards the finish line, not dwelling on past failures or achievements but concentrating on the race ahead, encouraging us to let go of past mistakes, successes, or regrets and instead, look forward with determination and hope in our Christian journey.
Constructive Speech: Use Words to Build Up, not Tear Down
Ephesians 4:29 advises us to “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers”, and continues on in verses 31-32 which states “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Here, we can picture how a Christian person should behave. How can we let our Christian light shine before others if we speak in an unwholesome manner, always criticising or slandering others, full of bitterness, anger, rage, shouting and spite? Such a character not only puts a strain on relationships with others and pushes others away, but I suppose must also be draining and tiring for the soul, being filled with ill intentions and negativity all day long. As such, let us strive to please God and make others’ (and our own) lives easier by emptying our cup of all malice and replenishing it with goodness, kindness, gentleness and forgiveness as we remember that God also forgave us with all our flaws and imperfections. Let us be patient with one another, ensuring that our speech is always “full of grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6), speaking what is helpful and value-adding for building each other up.
Trust in God: Trust in Him no matter what happens; Trust in Him to Deliver
We can relieve ourselves from the burden of anxiety and many complaints if we put our trust in our almighty God and His provision. As Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” As Habakkuk the prophet states in Habakkuk 3:19 “The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills”, just like a graceful and swift deer (or hind) climbing in very high mountains and treacherous cliffs, but always confident and never afraid of falling, we too, can live above our circumstances and stay positive if we lean on the Lord and trust that He will provide no matter how bleak the situation seems. (cf Psalm 18:33, 2 Samuel 22:34)
By focusing on these biblical principles, let us strive to uplift ourselves and one another, as we take on a more positive and thankful attitude, even in the face of challenges or when confronted with the negativity around us. Paul provides us with a good closing thought and summary in Philippians 4: 6-9, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Ask Yourself:
1. What are some of the ways we can stay positive as Christians?
2. Are there any specific area(s) that I would like to work on to cultivate a more positive Christian mindset?
Suggested Answers:
1. Be content, Practise gratitude, Adopt a growth mindset, Constructive speech, Trust in God
2. Feel free to self-reflect or share and discuss with brethren ☺