Shake Off Negativity
Shake Off Negativity | October 20, 2023
Albert Einstein once said, "Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution.” So, be careful when it comes to listening to the opinions of others. Sure, some individuals mean well, but good intentions and lousy counsel based on fear pave the way to failure. Thus, shake off any negative talk or thoughts that try to infiltrate your thinking.
Philippians 4:8-9 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
Considering the circumstances surrounding the church at Philippi, Paul could've easily been negative in his letter. That region struggled with poverty because of being occupied by the Roman Empire; there was a famine in the land and conflict between two prominent church members. Also, Paul had his own troubles. He was under Roman (guard) house arrest, poverty-stricken at times, and sickly. However, Paul remained faithful and confident in God's provisions, producing His positive attitude. See, not all positivity is created equally! To just be positive because you assume "things" will work out is wishful thinking. On the contrary, to trust that God will make a way and that He has the final say is an act of faith that leads to a positive perspective. Paul had the latter, and so his counsel was to think on matters that produced the same positive mindset he had, regardless of the situation.
Knowing this, shake off the lies of negativity, especially those that project their lack of faith onto you. Stand firm in your calling and God's promises concerning your life. When you do this, Paul says, the "peace of God will be with you!"
Philippians 4:8-9 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
Considering the circumstances surrounding the church at Philippi, Paul could've easily been negative in his letter. That region struggled with poverty because of being occupied by the Roman Empire; there was a famine in the land and conflict between two prominent church members. Also, Paul had his own troubles. He was under Roman (guard) house arrest, poverty-stricken at times, and sickly. However, Paul remained faithful and confident in God's provisions, producing His positive attitude. See, not all positivity is created equally! To just be positive because you assume "things" will work out is wishful thinking. On the contrary, to trust that God will make a way and that He has the final say is an act of faith that leads to a positive perspective. Paul had the latter, and so his counsel was to think on matters that produced the same positive mindset he had, regardless of the situation.
Knowing this, shake off the lies of negativity, especially those that project their lack of faith onto you. Stand firm in your calling and God's promises concerning your life. When you do this, Paul says, the "peace of God will be with you!"
Posted in Negativity
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
February
Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
March
May
June
Praying About Panic and PainSurround Yourself With Good People God's Promise To Those Who WaitPrepared By Your PastProtect Your Torch Faith And Flag DayTrust God To ProvideReceiving The Father's BlessingPray Before Making DecisionsGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Carry One Another Remove Whatever Is Contaminating Your MindPray Early And Often Reverence For God's House Trust God For The Impossible What To Do In Times Of Trouble
2023
August
Good Decisions Require Discernment Live By God's PowerPraying For Real ComfortGetting In Rhythm With GodAvoid Self-Righteous PrayersKeep Your Promises With GodMercy Leads To HappinessAddress Any Self-Righteous AttitudesPraying With ConfidenceHow Does God See You?Turn Away From Whatever Gets You StuckStop Talking About Your ProblemsOur Prayers Reach God's EarsStress Management Starts In The MorningFollowing ChristNavigating The Darkness Of This World Measure God's PromisesLittle Light Of MineGet Your Priorities In OrderPraying Without Results Can Be ToughYou Can Overcome DoubtPray ContinuouslyRescue-Me Prayers Practice Inward KindnessTrust God's TimingSurrender My AgendaFocus On Being A River Rather Than A ReservoirGod's Gracious CoveringYou Are Never Out Of God's ReachSeek God With No Strings Attached
No Comments