Too Negative?
“We’re too negative.” Are we too negative? I’m not sure what is meant? Does that mean we should not teach against sin in all its forms? Does it mean we are not tolerant enough and accepting enough of all that society approves? For example, approving homosexuality, transgender, LBGTQ+. Does it mean everyone is a sourpuss or is grouchy? The preacher never smiles. The elders never acknowledge me. No one ever talks to me. What does it mean?
Now, there is no excusing rudeness or neglect. There is no excuse when elders do not reach out to the flock. There is no excuse when preachers do not show compassion while teaching challenging truths.
But, if I complain “we’re too negative,” then haven’t I just done the very thing I complain about? I have observed when people make this kind of judgmental statement they do not view themselves as judgmental. “It is everybody else, not me.” There is an old proverb, in order to have friends, one must be friendly. So, maybe the negativity is not others, maybe it is me.
Consider, am I kind? Am I long-suffering? Am I humble? Am I gentle? Do I believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things? Do I remember every wrong done? See, the question is not about others. The question is about me. If there is negativity, then I need to look deeply at myself.
If the local church is to have a more positive atmosphere, it begins with me by making a contribution to make it happen. There will always be slights, hurt feelings, and even wrongs. There may even be terrible things that happen to me, but I get to choose my attitude towards those events and those involved.
If there is a needed change from negative to positive, it’s up to me to make it happen.
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