The seminar speaker emphasized a positive mental approach to everything. And I’m okay with that, for the most part.
She elaborated on how we might stay positive in the face of annoyances. Suppose someone rudely swoops into that prime parking spot just ahead of us. Simply stop and say, “Well, that’s just perfect! Now I can get more exercise by walking farther.”
Such an approach can help us stop whining about trivialities. Some situations are far from “perfect,” however. Sometimes maintaining a positive mental attitude is not only difficult, it isn’t even sane.
In a sense, the entire Bible is devoted to the fact that everything is not perfect. Whole sections of Scripture tell of unspeakable deeds: Murder, rape, cannibalism, treachery, genocide—Earth’s intolerable experiences are well documented.
Bookending all that mayhem is a long-ago and faraway garden where the first man and woman lived in perfection, as well as a promise that the Creator of that garden goodness will return to make everything new (Genesis 2:1-25; Revelation 21:5). And in the middle, woven into the flawed fabric of life, is a unifying thread that gives us reason for real joy.
“[Christ] . . . existed before anything was created,” writes Paul. “He holds all creation together” (Colossians 1:15,17). “He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross” (Colossians 1:20).
When we trust Jesus, we trust the One who put all of this in motion. He came to walk among us and offer the perfect sacrifice for the damage we have inflicted on His creation. And He’s restoring everything to its proper order. One day we’ll say without a hint of irony, “This is just perfect!”
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 45:1-28
More:
For the perfect beginning, re-read Genesis 2:1-25. For the perfect ending, read Revelation 22:1-21?
Next:
What’s your most pressing issue right now? How can you trust God with it?
Gary Shultz on January 29, 2015 at 7:08 am
I have to agree with you, often we have a case of grumbleitus and could really do a much better job with a little more positive input. And yes the announcement was made close to the onset of existence that life would have hardships; however, Jesus would finally bring everything back to an even better place than it started for those who chose His gift and challenge. We will be alright after all and as you say, “that just perfect”. Thanks
tgustafs on January 29, 2015 at 8:01 am
Me too, Gary. It’s just so … HUMAN to complain. But there’s a flip side to that too. Do you notice how drawn we are to people who always find the bright side? Well, most times anyway. 🙂
Tom Felten on January 29, 2015 at 9:16 am
Tim, just thinking about where a positive attitude springs from. The Holy Spirit, indwelling us, provides the fruit we can experience (including “joy”) as we yield to His work. May we walk in the Spirit today . . . in joy!
tgustafs on January 29, 2015 at 9:34 am
Yeah, Tom, that’s the source of real joy!
daisymarygoldr on January 29, 2015 at 3:08 pm
In Genesis, God made everything by the word of His command. He saw that it was very good— but did not proclaim it as perfect. And those that have hope in Christ only for this life—for a perfect planet, perfect relationships, perfect health, and prosperity, are the most miserable people in the world.
The Bible tells us, by the same word the present heavens and earth have been stored up to be destroyed by fire (2 Peter 3:7). The creation in Genesis is the rough draft of the real in Revelation. God is making everything anew. John writes, “And he also said, it is finished!” (Revelation 21: 5-6).
Adam, the first man was made from the dust of the earth while Christ, the second man, came from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:47). Christ who is perfect has “forever made us perfect” (Hebrews 10:14). Since we have been already made perfect in Christ, let us praise the Lord, party and join in the celebrations of super bowl. No.
“Since everything around us is going to be destroyed… what holy and godly lives you should live. We are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth —a world filled with God’s righteousness. Dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight.” (2 Peter 3:11-14).
Winn Collier on February 1, 2015 at 7:27 am
Living in this tension between what is and what will be – and not diminishing either – is very difficult. And necessary.