Positive thinking can be traced back to the philosophical research of Dr. Martin Seligman and his contemporaries. Mixed in and around the work of Seligman we can throw the studies of those in contradiction to positive thinking and a toxic positivity mindset into the mix. Just like any other topic there are two sides to every coin and this one is easy to debate if you are focusing on anyone who just avoids the challenges of adversity and afflictions by thinking positively about the situation. Positive thinking and its counterpart toxic positivity are manmade concepts that have been created to try to explain why some people are so content and happy in their lives. I'm guessing those that held tight to the concept of toxic positivity are just unhappy folks that can't stand to hear one more person talking about the glass being half full. I can understand how someone that has not been liberated from the chains of doubt, fear, or an overarching sense of guilt and shame may not have a positive mindset about life, but the Great Liberator gives us a totally different perspective on life and thus creates the submissive lifestyle of a servant to the one true living God of all things eternal.
Conversely, thinking positively in my mind could be summed up in by the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the early Christians in Rome. In Romans 8:28 Paul encourages the church in Rome in saying, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. So, if Paul were a modern day psychologist, I believe he would say your way of thinking is a choice. You can choose to look for the bad in every situation, or you can look at every situation and look for the good. Thinking positively.
Keeping in line with the whole psychological perspective on things in our time together today, I have a case study to share that will support my God based theory on thinking positively as opposed to being a positive thinker. Traveling way back in the Old Testament to the Book of Numbers, we read about 12 spies that were sent into Canaan to report back about the bountifulness of the land and their prognostication of the likelihood of overcoming the giants who were currently residing in the "land flowing of milk and honey" (Numbers 14:6-10). Ten of the twelve spies gave rave reviews of the land, yet the review was followed by the word "but". "But" the giants there are too formidable of an opponent and feared they would be defeated. On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb's report echoed the sentiments of the first ten spies regarding the overflowing resources that existed, yet the difference in their estimation was the use of the word "and" which followed their analysis of the land's quality. The two spies' report was that the land was everything they wanted, "and" God will accompany them in the battle with the giants there to assure victory, "... The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with mild and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them." Numbers 14:7-9. Joshua and Caleb were not being positive thinkers, they realized there was a formidable opponent in Canaan, but he acknowledged that the difference maker in the equation was that they had God on their side and they believed that if God was for them success would be theirs.
This is the difference between a positive thinker and someone who thinks positively. Knowing God is on our side is the difference. Knowing that all things work together for good for those that are called according to God's plans and purpose are destined to be successful. Regardless of what, when, or how that success is afforded, success will prevail. Searing the truth that "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) in my heart and in my soul leads me to a place where it is not possible for me to do anything else but to think positively. For us to believe that way in a human way of thinking might lead one to a feeling of toxicity, I get that. But, I do not look at my life through the lens of this world, I look to the words of the Apostle Paul found in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the heavenly prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." If my belief and my faith in that belief tells me to believe that all things are possible with Christ, then you can label me toxic if you like, but I will disagree. My positive outlook on life is not about me. Alone, my outlook would probably be as dismal as the report of the first ten spies reporting back to Moses, but I am not looking through my earthly lens. The stance I take, the positive thinking I display are not because of anything I have done, but completely all about what He has done in me. "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" Matthew 19:26. Positive thinking is a challenge because the person is at the mercy of their environment such as the ten spies who could not see a path forward in defeating the giants in Canaan. Thinking positively places our reliance on an all knowing, all powerful God. I am blessed to be able to think positively each day, you can choose to rely on God in the same exact manner. I have been tested, and I test positive for God! Will you join me today?
Coach Carter
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