Philippians 2:5 KJV 1900

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

BE A POSITIVE PERSON

Illustration: I love the story of the second grader named Mike. On the way to school Mike’s arm bumped against a seat on the bus and it made a big scrape and bled until blood got all over his clothes. He had forgotten to put his homework paper in his book bag so he got in trouble. At recess he was hit in the mouth and lost two teeth. After school he slipped on the ice and broke his wrist. On the way to the hospital he reached into his pocket with his good hand pulled something out. His father asked him what it was. He said, “It’s a quarter – 25 cents! I found it on the ground when I fell down. It’s the first quarter I ever found. This is the best day of my life!”

I. Think Positive Thoughts

“Whatsoever things are of good report … think on these things” ().

Philippians 4:8 KJV 1900

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

A. Some Christians fail to discipline their thinking. They allow negatives to dominate their minds.

B. Christians must take deliberate action, replacing negative thoughts with positives and keeping an optimistic outlook.

II. Hear Positive Sounds

“And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD” ().

Isaiah 22:14 KJV 1900

And it was revealed in mine ears by the Lord of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, Saith the Lord God of hosts.

A. Many people listen to the filth, smut, and destruction coming across the airwaves. Their spirits are dwarfed.

B. We must listen to the good, not the bad. We must hear from the Lord and heed his Word.

III. See Positive Sights

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith …” ().

Hebrews 12:2 KJV 1900

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

A. Some Christians look for the bad in people and circumstances, seeing only the faults and negatives.

B. To be a positive person one must look for the good and look to Jesus.

IV. Speak Positive Words

“Talk ye of all his wondrous works” ().

Psalm 105:2 KJV 1900

Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: Talk ye of all his wondrous works.

A. Many people talk mostly about evil and bad events. Some are harsh, unkind, and take God’s name in vain.

B. We should talk positively, seeking to glorify God by extolling his goodness, grace, and love.

V. Perform Positive Deeds

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” ().

Colossians 3:23 KJV 1900

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

A. The deeds of many are negative. They are selfishly motivated, dishonest, and displeasing to God.

B. We must be truthful, ready to lift those who are down, and witness for Christ.

VI. Attend Positive Places

“I was glad when they said … Let us go into the house of the LORD” ().

Psalm 122:1 KJV 1900

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

A. Christians hurt their influence when they go to the wrong places in search of entertainment.

B. Be a positive Christian. Attend church faithfully. Go with God and he will go with you.