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Importance of a Positive Attitude Thinking Positive Importance of a Positive Attitude
Introduction What is a positive attitude? What is a negative attitude? Hopes for the best Looks for the best Believes the best is possible What is a negative attitude? Exaggerates life’s difficulties or shortcomings Ignores the good in life or others Imagines the worst possible outcome will happen Not talking about ignoring facts or sinful activity
Dangers of Negative Attitude Twelve Spies (Num. 13-14) Discouraged the rest of Israel (Num. 13:32-14:4) Led to complaining and rebelling against God (Deut. 1:26-28) Led to unbelief (Deut. 1:29-33) Ultimately led to death (Num. 14:26-38) Results of Negativity Discouragement Lack of enthusiasm in worship Stop trying to do what God wants us to Failure to reach our ultimate goal of Heaven
Value of Positive Attitude Rebuilding the Walls Overcame ridicule (Neh. 4:1-3) Mind to work (Neh. 4:6) Accomplished the task (Neh. 6:15) Benefits of Positive Attitude Encouragement and Edification Continue to believe in God and our ability to serve Him Help each other achieve our goal of Heaven
Matter of Choice Can’t always control or change circumstances But, we can control our reaction Rejoice when times are hard (James 1:2) Understand the value of difficult times (James 1:3-4, Rom. 5:3-4) Hope and prayer can help us to rejoice (Rom. 12:12) We can maintain a positive attitude despite our external circumstances 2 Cor. 4:16-5:1 Phil. 2:17-18
Personal Growth Positive Attitude will say: “I can overcome temptations” “I can grow in service to Christ” Negative Attitude will say: “I’ll never be able to resist ….” “I’ll never be like …” Paul Chose to Cling to a Positive Attitude “Forgetting those things that are behind..” (Phil. 3:12-14) What was behind Paul? Persecution of the church. (1 Tim. 1:12-14)
Dealing With Brethren Positive Attitude Negative Attitude Look for opportunities to encourage Give other benefit of the doubt Negative Attitude Ready to pile on when others mess up Automatically think badly of others Need to Build Up and Edify Rom. 14:19, Col. 3:12-15
Personal Evangelism Positive Attitude will say: “People can change, if only I am ready to help them” “This person shows some potential, maybe with some work…” “God can change anyone’s life” Negative Attitude will say: “We’ve tried it before, it won’t do any good” “That person will never accept the truth” Jesus and Apostles Peached to All People Luke 5:30-32, Acts 8:4-8, Acts 18:8-11
Our Reason for Positive Attitude God is ready to help us Phil. 2:12-13 Our labors will not be in vain Heb. 6:10, 1 Cor. 15:58 Even when we fail, God will forgive 1 John 1:9