09/26/18 POSITIVITY (especially in Christians)
3 VIEWS OF POSITIVITY, (which are you?)
(1) Actually Positive.
(2) Socially (Selectively) Positive.
(3) Positivity Stinks.
POSITIVITY (especially in Christians)
Positivity is an attitude that focuses more on the "bright side" of life; that sees the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
Positivity may be displayed by a Christian or a non-Christian. Some personality types are more naturally positive than other types.
Positivity is part nature and part choice.
Those who are "naturally" positive can become negative (suspicious, doubtful, contrary, disconnected, self centered, tunnel visioned, angry) and those who are "naturally" negative can become positive.
Positivity can be the result of spiritual or natural origin.
Some cultures and life experiences are more conducive to positivity.
Some people are "over the top" positive (and are usually prone to high, highs and low, lows).
Some people are positive because it is a tool they use to gain favor or it gives them a false sense of "well being" and self worth.
There is a POSITIVITY which is inherent to the Christian experience.
Regardless of a person's personality type, upbringing, culture, life experiences, present circumstances, the Christian is inherently positive in the sense of having joy, peace, kindness, faith, forgiving others, treating others as they want to be treated.
In other words, the Fruit of the Spirit (Ga. 5:22-24), which is Positive and the traits of Love (as seen in 1 Corinthians 13) and the Likeness and Conformity to Christ (Ro. 8:29) are part of the New Nature, the Divine Nature (2 Pe. 1:4).
Christians want to be encouraging, edifying, comforting, self denying, self effacing in order to advance the well being of his/her neighbor.
Not only are Christians Positive because of their New Nature, they are Positive because of their determination to flush everything from their lives, attitudes, habits, relationships, amusements, behavior, which reeks of the Old Life and the Old Man (sinful nature).
Christians choose to represent the likeness of Christ
to other Christians and to sinners;
to friends and family and foes;
to those of high estate and those of low estate;
when it is convenient and when it is inconvenient
when it is profitable and when it is costly.
Positivity (spiritual, Christian) is manifested in deeds, words, demeanor, attitude, desire, interaction, personal initiative.
Christians seek and follow fully the counsel that conforms them to the image of Jesus.
BRIEFLY...
Far too often the unsaved person understands the social and personal benefits of being positive. It is shameful that unregenerate people are sometimes more concerned with being a help (blessing) to others. Even when the Positivity is fake, it is at least manifested by the non-believer. This demonstrates the power of personal will, without the salvific influence of regeneration. HOW MUCH MORE SHOULD SAVED PEOPLE BE ABLE TO MANIFEST POSITIVITY?!
There are people who do not care about the "niceties" of Positivity.
Some people view Positivity as a weakness or as an affectation rather than as a spiritual quality to be grasped.
Some people view Positivity as a naive or childish response to difficulties.
Some people do not think that raw life can be dealt with in a Positive mindset.
IT IS TIME FOR CHRISTIANS TO FOLLOW BIBLICAL DIRECTIVES, EXAMPLES, AND WISDOM, RATHER THAN ALLOWING THEMSELVES TO BE INFLUENCED AND CONFORMED TO THE HOPELESS, LOVELESS, LIFELESS AND CHRIST-LESS NEGATIVITY OF THE DARK DOMAIN.
