An Optimistic Outlook

When was the last time you complained? Was it a month ago or closer to a few minutes ago? Most likely, at least for me, it can be measured in minutes versus days. This saddens me. Are we truly using the power of our speech to say discouraging, complaints that don't accomplish anything? The Bible says to not let "unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs" (Ephesians 4:29). Complaining does not accomplish this. In fact, Philippians 2:14 directly commands "do everything without complaining or arguing." What does the word "everything" mean to you? Does it translate to "sometimes," "once in a while," or "usually"? No! God declares us to never complain and do everything without it. This is a high standard and seems demanding. After all, we're only human, right? This is true statement and everyone is sinful, but with God's help, anything is possible! Philippians 4:13 says "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Did you catch that word again? Everything. We can do everything through him who gives us strength.

I know that God is a merciful God, who loves us enough to forgive us no matter how many times we fail. When He made the ten commandments, He didn't expect us to keep them! After all, we all fall short of the glory of God. In the same respect, God doesn't expect us to be perfect. That's what's so wonderful about Him. We will (undoubtedly) fall sometimes. But God picks us up every time and assures us that we are perfect in His eyes (because of Jesus). Philippians 2:14 is saying that if we don't complain or argue, we will stand out from the rest of the crowd and people will wonder what makes us different. The passage goes further in verse 15, saying "so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." This is one of my favorite verses! It is exactly what I want to aim for in life: to be blameless and pure, a child of God... so that I might shine like a stars in the universe! People will wonder what I have that they don't, which is the joy of Jesus Christ and the perfect peace He brings.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

This verse jumped out at me in an FCA e-mail devotional I read today. It's a good verse to memorize, and helpful in every situation. This is the solution to trying not to complain. Be joyful always. It's as simple as that! I know God brings me so much joy that sometimes I simply cannot contain myself. His everlasting love is greater than anything the world can offer. Praying continually is more of a challenge for me, because I am a forgetful person. However, it is truly one of the most important things we can do in our day (besides reading the Bible). Praying can be explained in three easy words: "talking to God." How can you go through your day claiming to live for Jesus if you don't talk with Him? Isn't it funny how the only times we remember to pray are when we are going through something bad? Not really. Every time we knock on God's door or ring his cell phone, He probably thinks, "oh boy, what is she going to tell me about her day now?" But really, we're just calling Him to tell of all the negative things in our lives and to ask for help. This isn't wrong, it's just lacking a crucial element of prayer. Thanksgiving. Not the thanksgiving in November, complete with sweet potatoes and a roasted turkey. I'm talking about giving thanks to God. He deserves every ounce of thanksgiving in our body, this is God here! The almighty, powerful God who can part the red sea and save our souls. If we don't give Him the praise He deserves, who will?

We have so much to thank God for. Why not use our words to declare His majesty and thank Him for His amazing grace and breathtaking creation. Today was gorgeous outside. While I was strolling along the sidewalk outside of school, the sun was shining through, illuminating the orange and red leaves graced on every tree. Some leaves were strewn about in the still green grass and it was perfect. I can just imagine God looking down at His work and waiting for us to compliment Him on another beautiful day. Better yet, I know Jesus was right there walking next to me, appreciating the beauty with me. This is an obvious place to thank God. However, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to give thanks in all circumstances. There's a word similar to "everything." God doesn't mean to merely thank Him on the days when things are going well and the sun is shining. He wants us to continue to thanks Him, even on the bad, rainy days. I think every day we should thank Him for one thing: Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. It may sound cliche, but it's one detail we often forget. Again, I am a very forgetful person and don't always take time to realize the magnitude of this event. Without Jesus, my life would be empty, a sand castle washed away in the sand. I would have no purpose and be buried in a sinful life full of despair. Thank you Jesus for giving me life, and to the full! For Romans 6:11 declares I am "dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus"!

Now reflect back to that complaining issue. Does anything you complain about seem bigger than the joy that Christ brings us? If you concentrate on positive things, like God's great love for us, then life doesn't seem so bad. It's certainly not worth complaining about. We need to always be joyful, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. Like everything, it's easier said than done, but if we focus on God, the rest of the puzzle pieces will fall into place. Live life with an optimistic outlook!

-Flower picture (of God's magnificent beauty) taken by Bubbly :)