Negativity of over-positivity
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Liba Hopeson
At first glance, you may wonder about the meaning of the article’s title and what the writer intends to convey. Just as even healthy food can harm us if consumed in excess, a positive mindset – though widely encouraged – can also have unintended consequences. We are often taught to maintain optimism in all circumstances, but an important question arises: Is it possible to be positive in a wrong way ? Can excessive positivity negatively impact our faith and daily lives ? In this article, I intend to propagate that an overabundance of positivity can sometimes become detrimental rather than beneficial.
Below are the aspects of excessive positivity that I believe can have negative consequences:
1. All things unfold by God’s will : The Bible assures us that all things work together for the good of those who love God (Rom. 8:28). It teaches us to give thanks in every circumstance and to rejoice always. However, these truths can sometimes lead us to adopt an overly optimistic mindset – one that misapplies Scripture. When evil occurs within our Churches and organizations, we may mistakenly invoke God’s name, claiming that such events align with His will. While it is true that God can redeem even the darkest situations for good, this does not mean that the evil itself is good, nor does it justify the act of wrongdoing.
Scripture consistently portrays God’s displeasure toward wickedness. God was grieved by human corruption before the flood (Gen. 6:5-6). The Prophets repeatedly expressed God’s anger against sin. Jesus Himself was angered by hypocrisy and injustice, as demonstrated when He cleansed the temple. Likewise, Paul warns believers to “hate what is evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). While we are called to rejoice always (1 Thess. 5:16) and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18), this refers to trusting God’s sovereignty rather than celebrating wrong doing. We should grieve over sin.
What is truly startling is that in many institutions and organizations, exposing corruption or unethical politics often leads to being labeled as someone who lacks the fear of God. In reality, however, turning a blind eye to wrongdoing – remaining indifferent to evil when it unfolds before you – is the true sign of a heart that does not fear God. For to fear God is to hate evil (Prov. 8:13). Do not be overly positive in assuming or asserting that everything unfolds according to God’s will. God is holy.
2. Let them criticize; it’s perfectly fine: Many people fail because they live without firm principles, constantly listening to others’ critiques and allowing themselves to be easily swayed. However, there are times when we fail to grow because we hear criticism but dismiss it completely; ignoring the value it may hold. At times, we face criticism because we are genuinely in the wrong. By listening to criticism – though not all – we can recognize our mistakes and grow. However, we sometimes misunderstand positive thinking and develop the wrong attitude, believing that we should ignore criticism altogether.
There are three common statements often embraced as part of a positive mindset, yet they can be misleading if taken uncritically:
(To be contd)
At first glance, you may wonder about the meaning of the article’s title and what the writer intends to convey. Just as even healthy food can harm us if consumed in excess, a positive mindset – though widely encouraged – can also have unintended consequences. We are often taught to maintain optimism in all circumstances, but an important question arises: Is it possible to be positive in a wrong way ? Can excessive positivity negatively impact our faith and daily lives ? In this article, I intend to propagate that an overabundance of positivity can sometimes become detrimental rather than beneficial.
Below are the aspects of excessive positivity that I believe can have negative consequences:
1. All things unfold by God’s will : The Bible assures us that all things work together for the good of those who love God (Rom. 8:28). It teaches us to give thanks in every circumstance and to rejoice always. However, these truths can sometimes lead us to adopt an overly optimistic mindset – one that misapplies Scripture. When evil occurs within our Churches and organizations, we may mistakenly invoke God’s name, claiming that such events align with His will. While it is true that God can redeem even the darkest situations for good, this does not mean that the evil itself is good, nor does it justify the act of wrongdoing.
Scripture consistently portrays God’s displeasure toward wickedness. God was grieved by human corruption before the flood (Gen. 6:5-6). The Prophets repeatedly expressed God’s anger against sin. Jesus Himself was angered by hypocrisy and injustice, as demonstrated when He cleansed the temple. Likewise, Paul warns believers to “hate what is evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). While we are called to rejoice always (1 Thess. 5:16) and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18), this refers to trusting God’s sovereignty rather than celebrating wrong doing. We should grieve over sin.
What is truly startling is that in many institutions and organizations, exposing corruption or unethical politics often leads to being labeled as someone who lacks the fear of God. In reality, however, turning a blind eye to wrongdoing – remaining indifferent to evil when it unfolds before you – is the true sign of a heart that does not fear God. For to fear God is to hate evil (Prov. 8:13). Do not be overly positive in assuming or asserting that everything unfolds according to God’s will. God is holy.
2. Let them criticize; it’s perfectly fine: Many people fail because they live without firm principles, constantly listening to others’ critiques and allowing themselves to be easily swayed. However, there are times when we fail to grow because we hear criticism but dismiss it completely; ignoring the value it may hold. At times, we face criticism because we are genuinely in the wrong. By listening to criticism – though not all – we can recognize our mistakes and grow. However, we sometimes misunderstand positive thinking and develop the wrong attitude, believing that we should ignore criticism altogether.
There are three common statements often embraced as part of a positive mindset, yet they can be misleading if taken uncritically:
(To be contd)