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Answer
Negativity is not a new phenomenon. Ever since Adam and Eve were first banished from the garden, life has been challenging, and we have been expressing discontent «therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. », (Genesis 3:23). It is inherent in sinful humans to be self-centered and to grumble when our desires are unfulfilled (Galatians 5:19-20). We often advocate for our “rights,” insist on having things our way, and resist anyone who opposes us. This attitude leads to a pervasive sense of negativity towards the world and life in general. It is understandable for those who do not know Christ to be negative, as they lack hope beyond this world and its chaos. However, negativity in a Christian’s demeanor indicates a refusal to view life from God’s perspective. When we engage in hostility, pride, and complaints, we are reacting in the same manner as unbelievers.
Regrettably, God’s people are frequently as culpable of negativity and grumbling as those who are not acquainted with God. We often overlook the words of Jesus, “In this world you will face tribulations. But take courage! I have conquered the world” «These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.», (John 16:33). Negativity was one of the Israelites’ most severe transgressions after God delivered them from Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and obliterated their enemies with a single, crashing wave (Exodus 14:16-18). Yet, as soon as the Israelites did not get what they desired, they started to grumble against God.«How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. », (Numbers 14:27). Instead of rejoicing over all God had done for them and trusting that He would continue to provide, they murmured and complained. The Lord hears when we do that, and it greatly displeases Him (1 Corinthians 10:10-11;John 6:43).
There is a difference between being grieved over sin and being negative. Someone who agrees with God about the gravity of sin also agrees with God that we should take action. When God saw the evil desperation of humanity, He took action «For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. », (John 3:16). Jesus came to reveal what God is like and to engage in our messy world «Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? », (John 14:9). He was not afraid to “roll up His sleeves and get His hands dirty” «For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.», (2 Corinthians 5:21). As His Body «Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. », (1 Corinthians 12:27), we are here to continue the work He exemplified for us.
Christians can counEnter the doom-and-gloom mentality with a gentle, loving, faith-filled approach to life (Ephesians 4:32;1 John 5:14). We can refuse to be caught up in the hopelessness and me-first mentality that is too common in the world (Philippians 2:14-15). We can offer light in the darkness “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”, (Matthew 5:14), truth in the midst of Satan’s deception “Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.”, (John 17:17), and hope in the face of despair “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God: For I shall yet praise him, Who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”, (Psalm 43:5). First Peter 4:12–16 gives us some clear guidelines about facing trouble. Peter says, “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
Christians are to model a better approach to life. In the Beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23), Jesus gave us a glimpse into that better life. First Timothy 4:12 tells us
To “set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” It is important to always keep in mind that, for the unbeliever, this world is as close to heaven as they will ever be. For the Christian, this world is as close to hell as we will ever be. When we live with that as our focus, we have the tools to combat the world’s negativity and model the abundant life Jesus came to give us “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”, (John 10:10).
