The subject of being positive, optimistic, mindful, or whatever we want to call it these days is not a new subject at all.
2 Corinthians 13:11 (HCSB) says,
"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you."
Paul a disciple of Jesus is doing what he does best, and that is ENCOURAGING & REMINDING God's people that we have a CHOICE in the matter. Whatever you and I are facing we have a choice on how we will respond. Paul encourages us to first rejoice! Of course, that is the last thing we want to do in a difficult situation, but I dare you to try it. Rejoicing in our hardships, setbacks, and even our shortcomings kill the flesh. it says, in spite of how I feel in this moment, in spite of what my mind is telling me, I choose to rejoice in my Lord and Savior. It says I will bless you Lord no matter what. It is acknowledging that Greater is He that is within you than he that is of this world (1 John4:4).
When you and I choose Christ over our circumstances it changes our attitude towards what we see and feel drastically. Here are 3 gems to help us adjust our crowns when it comes to our attitude.
1. Stop chasing happiness in perfection. Happiness is not something to be attained when everything around is perfect—it can’t be. Instead, it means we can find contentment and happiness and joy even in the midst of a defect. And when we begin to realize happiness is fully available to us today regardless of our circumstance, the better our chances become of finding it.
2. Relate to one another in our weaknesses. Once we fully understand that all people are imperfect by nature, we can stop pretending that we have it all together. I am imperfect and you are imperfect. So let’s stop pretending that we aren’t. Instead, let’s begin living authentic, vulnerable lives with another. For it is in our weakness that we find our greatest commonality and community.
3. Admit that we need help. Because of our imperfections, we all have blind spots–tendencies that continually trip us up often without notice. These weaknesses and deficiencies are often seen by others—others who can help us overcome them. But not until we replace our pride with humility and seek the help of others.