POSITIVE THINKING

POSITIVE THINKING

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus

for good works, which God prepared beforehand,

that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

POSITIVE THINKING

Many people today, even many believers in Jesus have bought into this worldly mindset called “Positive Thinking”. This is the mindset that teaches just think positively, speak positive affirmations, and practice worldly systems that teach you to help yourself. I see thousands of people pursuing this positive thinking teaching as a career. They teach, write books, give seminars, post YouTubes, podcasts, and social media. I see hundreds of thousands of people following them as if positive thinking and self-help are the missing pieces in their lives.

VALUABLE LIFE SKILLS

Am I saying that there is no value in positive thinking or in becoming a positive person? Definitely not! A positive attitude is a valuable life skill. Other valuable life skills include creating and following daily routines that help us work more efficiently and effectively. Creating and following systems that help us become better at certain tasks, like managing time or money, or learning to schedule and plan. There is also great value in setting and achieving goals like earning a degree, securing a better job, buying a car or a house, losing weight, or getting physically fit. All of these are important and valuable life skills, and we can learn from those who teach them. But without faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, and without the power of the Holy Spirit, these life skills are inconsistent, inadequate, and simply will not last.

GOD’S PURPOSE AND PLAN

While there is great value in life skills, they are not the most important things. God created each of us for much more than achieving, accomplishing, or possessing things. God created us with His plan and His purpose in mind. In Ephesians 2:10 we learn that

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

God created “the purpose – the work” first. Then He said, I have this job that needs to be done so now I’m going to create a person to do it. I will create a person and I will give them the exact combination of brains, gifts, talents, and abilities. I will give them everything they need for this exact work . . . then God created you, and me, and everyone on the earth to accomplish the work – the purpose that He wanted accomplished. So, while we can do, and achieve, and accomplish all these things . . .

WE MUST NEVER FORGET, AND WE MUST NEVER FAIL TO

PURSUE AND FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSE!