Here are some quotes to start your day.
“The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others have resigned; it enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence… No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit… Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” Helen Keller
“Optimists are right. So are pessimists. It’s up to you to choose which you will be.” Harvey Mackay
“Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society. The optimist invents the airplane, the pessimist the parachute.” George Bernard Shaw
“No Christian can be a pessimist, for Christianity is a system of radical optimism.” This quote was made by playwright and novelist William Inge who, based upon some of his work and topics, probably wasn’t a believer himself. However, he had made a great observation.
Well, in case you are wondering, today is National Optimists Day. “The original idea for Optimist Day developed in 1909 when the Optimist Club of America promoted the day to be observed on April 1st as a way to encourage kind acts and further optimism. The idea was to also replace the practical joking associated with April Fool’s Day. For the next several decades, clubs across the country hosted Optimist Day observances in their communities on various dates throughout the year.
“In 2017, Optimist International declared Optimist Day to be observed on the first Thursday in February with a focus on recognizing the achievements of the volunteers and the youth in the community. Each year, the programs they support improve their communities and provide opportunities for youth of all ages. They also coordinate with other volunteer organizations making the future brighter for all involved.”1
Are you an optimist or pessimist? I think I fall somewhere in between, although the other person in my house would probably say I’m more pessimistic. I don’t believe that I am. I’m just being realistic. And, some days, it’s not about the glass being half full or half empty. It’s about the fact that someone gave me a Styrofoam cup and there’s a hole poked in the bottom.
As Christians, we have every reason to be positive. But a word of clarification and caution must be thrown out. “The philosophy that thinking positive thoughts will cause good things to happen in life is directly related to a belief system called New Thought. New Thought spirituality began in the early 19th century and developed based on transcendentalism, Hinduism, the misuse of Bible verses, and from other mystical teachings…
“In more recent times, the power of positive thinking through the New Thought spirituality has been popularized by the 1952 book, The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Peale, and the 2006 movie The Secret, which is based on the same-titled book by Rhonda Byrne. Specifically, the book by Norman Peale brought New Thought into Christian circles.”2
To degrade the Bible by blending Scripture with Hinduism and transcendentalism is egregious to say the least. This is blasphemous to do such a thing. And this is certainly not what is being addressed in this devotional.
Instead, the positivity of Christianity is drawn from the source of our joy and the decisions we make concerning it. For instance, Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” The Holy Spirit is developing these attributes in our lives. If we are saved, they are already there. But a choice must be made.
Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” This is not a suggestion. It is a command. And it is a decision that we must make.
In Psalms 37:3-5 we read, “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (4) Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” If I’m willing to obey the Lord and He has given me these promises, why should I not be positive?
Ultimately, a Christian can embrace optimism because of one simple truth found in Romans 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
1https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/pop-culture-lifestyle/optimist-day-first-thursday-in-february
2https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/is-the-power-of-positive-thinking-biblical.html
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