..and bad guys (Negative thoughts)..
April 23, 2009 (Thursday)
The Economic Crisis has generated some interesting sentences, such as “Fear and frustration have been joined by anger and resentment.” What a quartet! All negative emotions. They are grouped together because they fit together so well.
In Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul calls the roll twice. Once the roll called is in the dark and negative camp. Listen as the great Apostle calls their names: “Immorality, Impurity, Sensuality, Idolatry, Sorcery, Enmities, Strive, Jealousy, Outbursts of Anger, Disputes, Dissensions, Factions, Envying, Drunkenness, Carousing.” Then he adds, “and things like these.” What an ugly bunch!
Then the great Apostle turns to another group, and calls the roll: “Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control.” Now that’s more like it. Have you ever seen a more handsome and beautiful group in your life?
Many a person has fallen into a pattern of bad behavior because they’ve been “running with the wrong crowd.” The King James version of the Bible has a verse that says, “Be not deceived; evil communications corrupt good manners.” We need to avoid negative emotions.
On the other hand, association with the right kind of friends (positive emotions) can elevate your mood, your vision and your quality of life. Positive qualities of life can be yours as God manifests His presence and power in you. The New Testament calls these virtues, “The fruit of the Spirit.”
Years ago Norman Vincent Peale wrote a book entitled, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” in which he showed us numerous examples of people who found joy, a sense of belonging and purpose, and a fullness of meaning in life by majoring on the right kind of thinking. The good life is available to you, too.