Shake Off Negativity

Albert Einstein once said, "Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution.” So, be careful when it comes to listening to the opinions of others. Sure, some individuals mean well, but good intentions and lousy counsel based on fear pave the way to failure. Thus, shake off any negative talk or thoughts that try to infiltrate your thinking.

‌Philippians 4:8-9 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

‌Considering the circumstances surrounding the church at Philippi, Paul could've easily been negative in his letter. That region struggled with poverty because of being occupied by the Roman Empire; there was a famine in the land and conflict between two prominent church members. Also, Paul had his own troubles. He was under Roman (guard) house arrest, poverty-stricken at times, and sickly. However, Paul remained faithful and confident in God's provisions, producing His positive attitude. See, not all positivity is created equally! To just be positive because you assume "things" will work out is wishful thinking. On the contrary, to trust that God will make a way and that He has the final say is an act of faith that leads to a positive perspective. Paul had the latter, and so his counsel was to think on matters that produced the same positive mindset he had, regardless of the situation.

‌Knowing this, shake off the lies of negativity, especially those that project their lack of faith onto you. Stand firm in your calling and God's promises concerning your life. When you do this, Paul says, the "peace of God will be with you!"