A Positive Gospel

Norman Vincent Peale became well known because of his books and speeches on positive thinking. Many people have been helped by his promotion of positive thinking. Some years ago I had the opportunity to hear him and other motivational speakers at one of those positive
thinking rallies.

Many times we find ourselves in situations when all seems lost. Things just don’t seem to be going our way. We begin thinking negatively. That’s when heroes are made. That’s when one person comes forward and says, “We can do it..” One person with positive thinking can change the whole situation.

It might help us to stop and think about how we view things in our lives. We lose some of life’s battles by looking only on the negative side. Thomas Edison, when asked about how many times he failed to make his electric light work, responded by saying that at least he knew of hundreds of things that would not work.

Paul was in prison when he said in Philippians 1:12-14, “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” That’s thinking positively!

And think about Joseph. He kept a positive attitude during his long ordeal and then told his brothers that it was God’s plan that he be in Egypt in order to save his family. Now that’s a positive attitude! He had every reason to be negative about his being sold as a slave but He kept his trust in God and remained positive.

Books are written and rallies with big-name speakers are presented about positive thinking. I enjoyed the one I attended. And yet - I have found nothing that promotes a more positive attitude than the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Everything about the gospel and living a Christian life is approached by God in a positive way. It offers the greatest satisfaction and peace of mind. It holds out hope. It builds better relationships. It promotes love and harmony. It delivers from evil. Jesus has promised an abundant life. He promised a positive outcome to this life if we follow Him and do God’s will. There is nothing negative about heaven.

Think about these things and keep a positive attitude.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony