Online Articles
A Positive Life
As Christians, we are called to have a positive attitude. Do those around you see a difference in the way you approach work, school, or treat your family? The world around us feeds on negativity. We often see people have a negative attitude about life. Our lives should be different from the world’s, and our families should enjoy being around us. Friends and co-workers should see us as a people who care about others and treat everyone with respect. What can we do to remain positive every day? We must cast our cares upon our heavenly Father, trust in Him, and realize this world is not our home. If we keep these thoughts in our minds, our lives will remain focused on the Lord, and the cares of this world will not drag us down. Let’s look at a few verses that can change our outlook on life and help the people around see us as the shining light that we are called to be.
Life is not easy. As Christians, we will face the persecutions and difficulties of this life just as Christ did. One way to overcome and remain positive is to be diligent in prayer. Our heavenly Father calls for us to cast our cares upon Him. When we find ourselves overwhelmed with worry or anxiety, we should humble ourselves and pour our hearts out to Him.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:6-7
Prayer should be a consistent part of our life. It can become very easy to not be truly thankful to God. We can find ourselves more dependent on ourselves than on Christ. This will lead to failure and a negative influence on the world around us.
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Our flesh is weak, and a consistent prayer life will keep our minds focused on spiritual things. We will be a positive influence on the world, if we have a strong prayer life.
“Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
Trusting in the Lord will also build confidence in our lives. It is a positive attribute that all Christians must have. Trust will hold us steadfast in our faith, and we will not be tossed about like a ship lost at sea. If we find ourselves trusting in anything other than God, then we are setting ourselves up for failure. There is nothing in this world that can lead us to a positive happy life better than faithful service to the Lord. Riches in this world are fleeting and will lead to disappointment and failure.
“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” I John 2:17
The Lord will be a shield and a guide to those who trust in Him. His shield will protect us from the world, and His guidance will direct our paths. Both will allow us to remain a positive influence to those outside of Christ. They will see our strength and will be drawn to understand why we are different.
“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.“ Psalm 18:30
“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6
As Christians, we must remember that we are aliens on this earth. The monotony of everyday life day can lead us to forget where our true home is, heaven.
If we keep heaven in the forefront of our minds, then the cares of this world will seem light. While those outside of Christ build treasures on earth, our primary focus must be on building a spiritual home in heaven. This attitude will allow us to lay aside the negativity that comes with life. While others face disappointment when treasures fade, we can remain positive in our eternal reward.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2
What a great privilege we have to be called the children of God! As His children, let us remain steadfast in prayer, trust in Him with our whole heart, and focus on heaven. If we do these things, we will lead a positive life, a life that will glorify God and bring others to Him. Let us live an honorable life for those outside of Christ to see.
“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” I Peter 2: 11-12
As a church, let us encourage one another to lead a positive life. May our light shine so brightly that others will see a true difference in the way we approach life. A difference that will bring them to the Lord!
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Craig Barth
