As the new year has begun, and because last year was difficult, I have been hearing people state they wish everyone to “be positive in the new year.” Maybe make it a new year’s resolution. Well, I’m going to tell you something about me right here. Years ago I made a resolution to never make another new year’s resolution. I just don’t do it. If I need to change, then and there I commit to make the change and do my best to make it happen. It could be July.
Hmm… what about this “be positive” thing? I want to share something with you that our discipleship group went over this past summer. We read Jude. We went over and dug into the things in Jude. There is a theme throughout it that takes “be positive” to a level we should really consider.
Jude 1
3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.
A Call to Persevere
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”
19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
I really feel that Jude wrote this concerning the church; today it’s called “progressive theology.” There is a lot of negativity and troubled times in verses 3-4 and 14-16 above. There are a whole lot of these descriptions in the world around us too. We see it everywhere. Shopping, work, news, government, schools etc. The turning point of the book is verse 20. BUT YOU, BELOVED!! (that’s us!), All the earlier things are negative, and after verse 19 is the positive.
“building yourselves up in your most holy faith” – encouraging others, that’s positive
“praying in the Holy Spirit” – Yes, that’s positive.
“keep yourselves in the love of God” – Yes, that’s positive. This is what I would say is a lifestyle that involves embracing Jesus without letting go. “Keep yourselves IN the love of God” doesn’t say “keep yourselves near the love of God”
Philippians 4:8-9 “Apostle Paul’s list” – all positive.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things. 9 Do those things which you have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
We embrace what we constantly think about.
So, what am I doing about it? About a month ago I started to listen to the Bible on the way to and from work. 35 minutes each way. (Ok, it was a November resolution…lol). It doesn’t happen every trip, but it does happen. When someone reads scripture to you, you hear things a little differently than if you hear yourself in your mind reading it. It positively is opening my heart to a love of scripture.
In life’s situations, I’m seeing the positive more than I’m seeing the negative. That’s the God of peace being with me. Changing me.
I hope you have a great day!
—Brian Rainey
*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.