Positive beats Negative
April 20, 2008 (Sunday)
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Alka Seltzer is on the website, http://www.alkaseltzer.com/as/as.htm and reminds us of that company’s successful TV Commercials through the years. The one that comes to my mind is, “Try it, you’ll like it,” created in 1971 and redone in 2006. Probably no company has a library so full of usable ideas that are still relevant, because we keep on getting indigestion and heartburn.
Using their words, I suggest to you that there are some things in life you might try:
First, try looking on the bright side of things – you’ll like it. I think about the people led by Moses to the promised land. When they got there, they sent 12 men into the land with orders to come back and report what they found. Well, ten of those spies reported a hopeless situation of overwhelming military strength and advised Moses to lead the people elsewhere. Two of the men, Joshua and Caleb, had a positive report: “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30 NIV). Subsequent history proved the positive view to be the correct one. Try the positive view – it can change your life and help you change your world.
Second, try being a part of the answer to problems – you’ll like it. It takes months, even years, to construct a building, but only moments to demolish it with explosives. Never become a part of the demolition crew. Be a builder. Look for ways to solve the problem, not for ways to become part of the problem. Be a part of the solution. You’ll like it.
Third, try listening more and talking less – you’ll like it. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19 NIV). You’ll learn more and people will like you better. You will, therefore, accomplish more.
Last, but certainly first in importance, try putting Christ first in your life – you’ll like it. In this way you will discover joy in life, minimizing worry and anxiety. Putting Christ first makes things go better in your life. You probably have tried a lot of things to attain happiness in life. Try Jesus. An old chorus suggests, “Try the Man of Galilee. Try Him. Try Jesus.”
At the age of 120, Moses bade farewell to the people he had led through the wilderness with these words: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life” (Deut 30:19-20 NIV).
Try living your life God’s way – you’ll like it.