IS THE GLASS HALF-EMPTY OR HALF-FULL?
“All things are possible for those who believe” – Jesus (Mark 9:23)
A pessimist has been described as a person who sees the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist is one who sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
When Jesus walked the face of this earth He taught people to believe and have faith. In a world of darkness, He gave Light; in a world of despair; Hope; in a world of hatred; Love.
His first sermon was “Repent and believe the gospel” (Mark l: 15). He honored the faith of a centurion (Matthew 8:10); denounced His disciples for their lack of faith (Matthew l6:8); encouraged a man who believed yet doubted (Mark 9:24); and commanded Thomas to stop doubting and start believing (John 20:27).
Why is it so hard for us to believe and have faith? William James, considered by some to be the father of modern day psychology, said, “Our belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking is the one thing that assures the successful outcome of any venture.” Notice he said, “The one thing.”
We learn to walk by walking. We learn to pray by praying. We learn to believe by believing. It also helps to surround ourselves with positive people. My high school guidance counselor once told me I was not “college material.” I went home and told my parents. The next day my father marched up to the high school and “got in his face” saying to him, “As a counselor you must never tell a student they cannot succeed!” Right then I decided if I ever had the opportunity to be a positive influence for others, I would certainly be that person. I thank God for every person who has been a positive influence in my life.
Negative thinking is a waste of time and energy and is never productive. There is a practical side to optimism. As Mark Twain said, “The optimist and pessimist are both right about half the time … but the optimist has more fun!
I choose to say the glass is half-full
Peace to you and please join us for worship this Sunday in “a church where Jesus’ love is lived.
