Christians are all too good at being extremists. In attempts to appear humble, we have exalted self-loathing and self-hatred. We swung the pendulum the opposite direction from saying everyone is good to everyone is a stench in the nostrils of God. Does God want us always focusing on judgment and wrath? Does He permit any positive thinking, or is all positive thinking appealing to the flesh?
Here is what the Apostle Paul said about positive thinking, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in Philippians 4:8 –
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, 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 anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
According to Scripture, positive thinking is perfectly fine. Paul takes thinking a step further to meditation. God actually commands us to think about positive things to the point of dwelling on them. The God of Heaven gives me permission to deeply think (meditate and ponder) upon such things.
I know all the ultra-conservatives who are afraid of sounding like Norman Vincent Peale, Robert Schuller, or Joel Osteen will probably avoid positivity at all costs. But we who would rather be biblical and ignore the naysayers will do what scripture says and allow the rivers of living water to gush from us because we enjoy Christ and the liberty that is in Him.
If you have grown up in legalism or fear that you might be labeled a compromiser for smiling, laughing, or enjoying the Christian life, I pray God lets you loose from that bondage to enjoy Him. Jesus came to give you abundant life. Would you join me in some biblically positive thinking?
Honest Thoughts from a Pastor 
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