1. …..

2. Importance of a Positive Attitude
Thinking Positive
Importance of a Positive Attitude

3. 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

4. Dangers of Negative Attitude
Twelve Spies (Num )
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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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