Hello Church,
I consider myself an optimist. I personally believe that Christians should be, by default, optimists. We believe in the goodness of God and that, inevitably, the Universe will be okay. My soul is saved and God is just and all the bad will eventually go away (read the Bible). And yet it is difficult to be an optimist.
I want to share my Christian perspective on optimism vs pessimism. I don't know if it is anything you haven't learned long before me, but I'm going to be optimistic. This might help someone out there.
- We remember the bad, wrong and negative and we want to share it with those around us. The vast majority of our talk about sports teams, politics, religion, family members and the run-of-the-mill daily occurrences usually have to do with losing, investigations of wrong-doing, hypocrisy, bad decisions, etc;
- We don't do nearly as well remembering the good, right and positives of our days. Perhaps a psychologist or anthropologist can explain why. However, as I have observed myself turning a corner in my attitude, the pervasive pessimism that I see and hear has increasingly annoyed me. When it stops annoying me, I should get worried.
- Pessimism has been multiplied many times over with the onslaught of social media. I have come to see it as a kind of poison that ruins our psyche. I took Facebook and twitter off my phone and drastically reduced my use of all social media. I am happier.
- How can a Christian be a good Christian if it he/she is poisoned by a pessimistic world-view? I have learned to subtly challenge negative comments with positive ones; question the theology of doom and gloom out loud; critically think through criticisms to determine constructiveness or destructiveness; and invite the presence of God in with a person's thoughts and actions.
- Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe in the power of the Holy Spirit? Do you believe in the redemption of all Creation, the salvation of souls, and an interceding God (Read the Bible). Then you should seek out a pep in your step.
- In order to focus on optimism, I have chosen to at least ignore the petty complaints about life (or laugh at them). I have made it my mission to take every circumstance and be determined to not let the negative drive the discussion. It isn't always easy. I'm not always good at it..... I mean.. uh... sometimes it is really easy. I am sometimes good at it (see what I did there?).
- When I mentally review my day, I make it a point to list the positives. I make note of the negatives only if I see the possibility of turning it into a positive tomorrow. If not, I let it slough off. I don't think about it, dwell on it, post it, or give it any of my energy. Truth is, most of the negatives of my day weren't in my control in any case.
Emmanuel has a slightly different energy than it did a year ago. It's better. I go to activities expecting to participate in uplifting stuff. It won't always happen. That isn't the point. It is my expectations that are the point. I am choosing my attitude.
What good do you expect to see and talk about today? Look for it. I'm optimistic that you'll find it.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
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