Our attitudes and outlooks affect much of our lives. We can approach our lives as pessimists, expecting the worst. We might be cynical, expecting the worst out of the individuals in our lives. We could be fatalistic – “It was meant to be.” In our spiritual journey, we may reflect some of these negative qualities that can be harmful to ourselves, our fellow Christians, and our church as a whole. We may say to ourselves, “I’ve tried that before,” or we could cynically see our brethren as having ulterior motives. We might also see our spiritual lives as useless because we can make no difference.
Checking Our Attitudes
These negative attitudes cannot characterize Christians. James 4:13 cautions us against the assumptions we make, that anything is fated, understanding that we should always factor God into our plans. Nothing is fated, and we can appeal to God in our lives as James 5 points out. God does not take away our free will, nor does He predetermine the states of our lives or of our souls. He has given us power over our lives.
I Corinthians 13 discusses the love we should have for each other. Verse 7 says that love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things. A loving Christian believes the best about others rather than denies the sincerity of others’ motives. Cynicism, however justified we may feel it is, demonstrates a lack of love. If we love as Christ loves, we will avoid a cynical outlook.
Romans 8:28 assures us that all things work together for goodness, even when we cannot see the long-term benefits. Paul goes on to ask how any could stand against those with whom God stands. This view is not pessimistic, fatalistic, or cynical. Instead, a child of God takes the most hopeful view of matters. We are to be optimists.
An Optimistic Outlook
In James 1:2-4, we see trials as a time of joy because of the endurance such trials produce. Romans 5:3 reaffirms this hope found in times of trials. Being a good Christian is not an easy task, and those trials and tribulations make us stronger and help us focus on the hope we have in things above. Peter, in I Peter 1:6, expresses concern for the struggles of those Christians, but he reminds them that such struggles can lead to glory and honor before God. With all of the things these disciples would go through in their lives, they encourage us to overcome the challenges we face with optimism.
Our attitudes and outlooks inform our conduct, our thoughts, and our lives. The child of God can recognize the hope set before us, allowing us to approach our lives optimistically, knowing our hope is in the Incorruptible.
