You don’t have to look far on the internet to find “positive” messages. Pictures of babies in their mother’s arms and struggling young athletes giving that extra effort can make you feel good about the future. Add an encouraging message and you feel all warm inside. A call for unity and cooperation as a nation could lead you to believe things are turning around. They are a welcomed change during a time when we have seen so much anger, hatred and bitterness sweep across our nation.
Most of these positive comments are from well-known people, but they are intermixed with quotations from questionable sources. I have even seen portions of Bible scriptures used to make a positive point and they get many Amen’s and hallelujahs. Who wouldn’t agree with an encouraging message from such a revered source? Some of these phrases are even presented as direct quotations from GOD, with no scriptural reference.
Sadly, many of these positive messages are positively wrong! They don’t specifically include GOD, because GOD has no part in it. Telling people to keep trying and things will get better, may sound nice, but that is wrong. If we rely on our effort, things may even get worse and if we continue to rely on ourselves we will ultimately fail! We are told that time heals all wounds, but that is dangerously false. Time can let physical wounds get worse and lead to death; while in time emotional wounds can change from anger, to bitterness and hatred. Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, these messages seem beneficial, but will destroy you. At a minimum they are a distraction and at worst, will lead you to Hell. “All we need is love” is another misguided message. Countless people have been destroyed in the name of worldly “love.” So where do we get our “positive” messages from and how do we know if it’s true?
The secret to real “positive” messages is a trustworthy source. Wisdom comes from the wise and that is GOD and His WORD. That is where you find out about GOD’s healing power, the benefits of faithfulness, and the love of GOD. Many of those other “positive” messages pull you away from GOD and His wisdom. But what about the one’s with portions of scripture or mean the same thing? Partial truth may be a lie, so be wary when part of a scripture is left out. Sometimes words are left out due to a lack of space, so you must make sure the piece of scripture wasn’t misused. Scripture must be taken in the context it was written. The HOLY SPIRIT will help you discern the truth, but you must give Him something to work with. That is why you need to study the Bible and get to know its author. Don’t skip that part and miss out on its “positive” effects on your life.
The Bible is full of “positive” messages! The greatest one is “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). That GOD loved us enough to sacrifice His own Son to pay for our sins and give us eternal life surpasses all of those other “positive” messages and that’s only the beginning of our benefits! Best of all, you can trust GOD to keep His WORD. I am “positive” of that!
Wayne Lance…