This message really resonated with me because I immediately understood its importance. There have been times in my life that I think I did a decent job maintaining a positive attitude in the face of difficulties. Just as often (if not more often), I've blown it completely, falling easily into the woe-is-me mentality when confronted with heartache, injustice, or challenges (whether events be entirely circumstantial or caused in-part or in-totality by myself).
One thing Pastor Brian said that I thought was noteworthy was this: "I don't believe in mind over matter. But I do believe what's on your mind matters."
Wow.
He went on to explain that you can't control every thought that knocks on your door--but you don't have to invite them all in and give them a seat in the living room.
As someone who has struggled with depression in the past, I do believe there are medical and psychological factors at play there, too. I used to get myself so worked up dwelling on things that were completely out of my control, working myself into a darker and darker place as I replayed situations in my mind, trying to imagine different outcomes, and blaming myself for both my own shortcomings and many of the ways other people had failed me. Some of those negative thought patterns might have been present because of the way I was wired; some of it may have been that I waited too long to seek medical help to manage challenging life situations (I've known that I have a tendency toward major depression for years--so why soldier on alone when it's obvious that a visit to a counselor may have been in order?).
But no matter how you are wired, I think Pastor Brian is right. We all have the ability to control, at least to some extent, what happens in us, even when we don't have control over what happens to us (I'm paraphrasing the sermon again... for a much more inspiring version, you can watch it here). I've worked hard on trying to rewire myself to be more positive over the past several years, and those who are closest to me could still tell you without hesitation that even so, I've got a lot of work left to do!
Inspired by yesterday's sermon, I spent a few more minutes exploring scripture to find additional passages about attitude. (There, now even if you check out Pastor B's sermon-- which I highly recommend, as it will no doubt be much more powerful than my summary--you get a bonus for visiting my page today). Here's what I came up with:
"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9
I love this verse. We're surrounded by such negativity on a daily basis, but if we take the time to look around us, we can find truth and honor, fairness and purity (okay, yes, sometimes you really have to look!). The "worthy of praise" part is a little easier for me. I don't enjoy jogging as much as I used to (truth), but when I make the time to go and get alone with my thoughts, it's easy to look around and find, in my scenery, that which is "worthy of praise." And while I hate running on a treadmill, the truth is, even if I don't have the sky, the coast, or nature's countless other splendors in front of me to be thankful for, I don't have to think very long to recall dozens of times that God has shown up for me in my times of need--and more than that, my blessings are pretty much infinite, even when I'm in the midst of a legitimate storm. I'm thankful for my husband, my children, a roof over my head, a vehicle that runs, a career that I love, multiple talents and hobbies that allow me to live out my passions, and the list goes on and on... summer days! Herrs sour cream and onion potato chips. Chocolate. Roller coasters. As long as you're breathing, you can find something (even many somethings) worthy of praise.
"Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Philippians 2:14-15
This one's a struggle for me (I imagine it may be for most of us, at least in certain situations in our lives). "Without grumbling" reminds me that just because I can complain about something, doesn't mean I should! So, when faced with challenging situations in which my natural response is to grumble about factors beyond my control, I am trying my hardest to remember this verse. I view the "questioning" in terms of questioning authority--because I do believe the God who created us loves our inquisitive nature, and wants us to question the world around us, particularly when it comes to analyzing our imperfect selves, and resulting imperfect systems. But in situations where a supervisor tells us or a spouse requests us to do something, even something unpleasant, so long as we don't have moral objections, I believe the lesson here is similar to Nike's slogan--just do it.
I've heard it said before that we should have an attitude of gratitude. And if more people believed this, imagine how pleasant our daily interactions would be! I think it is entirely possible to continue to strive for more, to pursue admirable goals, to refuse to be satisfied with where you currently are in life... all while remaining thankful for what you do have, what you have accomplished, and even looking for the lessons in the trials you are currently undergoing, or those from the past which you will probably not ever fully understand. I think it is a good practice to be content, but not complacent. And that is something I strive for everyday. What's more, if you're really working as a representative of Jesus Christ, how much more likely are you to achieve what you set out to do?
Pastor Brian began this series by sharing several popular definitions of success, including one of his own: Success is accomplishing all that God created me to be and do. My prayer for you this week is that you accomplish all God created you to be and do over these next few days. And if you enjoyed this, and you're local, please join us for service next Sunday! It's Mother's Day, so it's a great day to visit--we've got muffins for moms and free professional family photos. :) Visit Oak Ridge Baptist's website for more info, and have a blessed week!
