I’d like to address all other fellow negative whining complainers - I'm tired of our whining and complaining (I think that statement qualifies as complaining). God clearly instructs us to “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Phil. 2:14. Somehow we just find ways to make ourselves miserable through negativity and complaining. And the thing we know is that this negativity and complaining doesn’t do any good, in fact we know many times it makes things worse.
Believe it or not our words reveal the condition of our heart. Jesus said this in Matthew 12:34, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” From a negative heart overflows negative words, which generally become negative actions, resulting in a miserable life. And when you’ve got a miserable life it just seems so much easier to have a heart filled with negativity… what a vicious cycle.
Here’s my encouragement fellow complainers, rather than zeroing in on all of the negative and on all the bad, put a spin on your outlook and find something to thank God for. Instead of complaining about what you don’t like, or don’t have, or wish were different, give thanks in all things. Live out what the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18
The fantastic truth is that if you change your words, your actions change, and if your actions change then your life will change…You can thank me latter =)
I'll thank you now. Attitude makes a hugh difference. I have had more peace and joy this last week than I have had in a long time. It is wonderful to have a heart filled with love instead of negativity.
ReplyDeleteI was just catching up on your blog and am looking forward to your upcoming series on negativity. This is something I have struggled with for the past 14 yrs, and it wasn't until recently that I finally gave it up and gave my life back to God, that I finally have a sense of peace that I hadn't known for so long. However, it's something I really have to work on. I've been reading "God's Power to Change Your Life" by Rick Warren, and in ch. 4, "The Choice to Rejoice!" he says that in order to be positive in a negative world, we have to be joyful. "Joy is an inside job and is not dependent on circumstances. It is your choice to rejoice...you can choose, regardless of the circumstances, to be joyful." He goes on to say, "As Christians we can be the most positive people in the world."
ReplyDeleteWe should all think about that!
Dawn,
ReplyDeleteI like that, "The Choice to Rejoice"... I'm so glad you have given your life to the Lord and that you are experiencing His peace. I'm in the same boat with you working on my attitude and outlook. Keep up the great work Dawn.