Replace Negativity With God

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

I wanted to become a salesman. But I had a problem. I knew I had a negative personality. My philosophy in my younger years was to “Expect the worst and when it happens you won’t be surprised.”

Needless to say that is not an attitude you can take into the sales profession and find success. Even as a youth I knew I had to “change my mind.”

Thankfully, my realization in my personality flaw also coincided with a strengthening faith in God. I read “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale. And other books about optimism. I listened to cassette tapes of Faith Preachers. I did everything I could, with God’s help, to stir faith and confidence in my thinking and actions.

Understanding the importance of a positive mental attitude has served me well throughout my life. I have had many times and opportunities to be negative with all my health issues over the years. Yet I have found that when one has placed their trust, confidence, and their very life into the Hands of God almighty there is success.

It also helps to look at God’s measure of success. The human point of view looks at fame, riches, prestige, and power. God looks at faithfulness, integrity, goodness, and love. The fruit of the Spirit is a good measurement of success in life:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

I was a salesman, and had success at it. A “mind cleanse” of removing my negative attitude was paramount to that success. And I have found over the years I need a mind cleanse on a regular basis to remove negativity through reading God’s word. One passage in particular has always been helpful:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Sometimes we face horrible situations in life that no amount of positive thinking can overcome. We all face tough times. While a good mental attitude will not prevent hardship, it can give us the strength to endure and overcome through the power of Christ within us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, remove our negativity and replace it with Your Word, Spirit, and power. Help us to never forget that You are at work within us, giving us hope in all circumstances. Amen.