I often hear people speaking the most negative things over themselves and their lives. It’s incredible just how much of a “norm” it has become to be negative. There are even those out there who have become so good at being negative that they speak negatively even about positive things that may be happening.
People are constantly saying how they don’t know if they will be able to do this or that. They talk about how terrible life is and how terrible the economy is. The list could go on forever.
In all honesty, it’s hard not to get negative when you look at world news, the local newspapers, or just listen to people on the streets in your hometown. Society is crumbling; moral decay has never been more prevalent than in today’s world. But the way I see it is that there are enough negative things happening in the world and all around us – so why add fuel to the fire if you do not have to?
Quite a few years ago, before I became a Christian, I was into new age beliefs. I followed the teachings of The Law of Attraction (you may have heard of The Secret). I remember reading about the concept of thoughts becoming things – the idea that what you focus on can manifest in reality. What a deeply profound concept, hey. It’s a pity that it wasn’t an original concept, though. Just take a look at what was written between AD61 and AD63 by the Apostle Paul when he wrote these words in the Bible, in Philippians 4:8:
Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.
I’m not sure about you, but these words seem pretty similar to the teaching of The Secret, don’t they? Paul had this revelation way before it ever became a “secret”.
So what can we get from this? Here are some nuggets.
1. You can’t be negative while being positive: If you work on the principle of only focusing on the positives in your life, you won’t be able to be negative. It’s that simple. So in every situation, look for the positives and then focus on them. While driving to work, I get stuck in some really crazy traffic. I could get all stressed out and negative, but I decided to start thanking God for my car in which I was travelling and for the job that I was travelling to. You cannot smile and frown at the same time.
2. Positivity leads to more positivity: The more you start searching for the positives in everyday situations, the better you will become at finding the positives. Eventually it will become a habit.
3. Positivity breeds positivity: No-one likes negative people. They are draining. Even negative people don’t like negative people. When you are positive, you will draw more positive reactions out of people around you, changing situations and calming tense situations down. Some may see your positive attitude as you being condescending, but hey… so what?
4. A positive attitude lowers stress: When all you focus on is negative, you will eventually have some serious stress build up in your system. Stress can kill you and it can cause you to do things you may regret. Just breathe, assess the situation, and be positive… Trust me, you will feel way better and will probably live longer too.
I have made it my goal in life to stop entertaining the negatives and to instead focus on the positives. I am getting there. It’s not always easy, and I do not always get it right, but each time I find myself losing the plot, I just ask God for his peace. If you have never felt peace wash over you in a stressful moment, I encourage you to click the link below to find out more about God and His word. I am sure that you won’t regret it.