Train Your Eyes to See Good (James 1:2-4): Be an Optimist

What is the difference between a pessimist and an optimist? A pessimist is quick to detect problems and issues. A pessimist also seeks out other pessimists so that their “view” or “voice” can be amplified. But that’s where they stop.

An optimist recognizes or detects problems, too, but they are different from pessimists in that:

1. They acknowledge there are positives mixed in with negatives; So, they do not “throw the baby out with the bathwater."

2. They do not dwell on the negatives to the point of debilitation and hopelessness.

3. They treat problems as "fixable," so they do not avoid challenges or look for someone to blame. 

4. They want to be part of the solution, so they get involved. They roll up their sleeves to fix the problem(s).

Now, ask yourself: (1) Am I a pessimist or an optimist?  (2) Am I a model of pessimism or optimism to my child or others around me? (3) Do I want to work with pessimists or optimists? 

The answers are obvious. We need more optimists in the world. We need more problem solvers, not just problem finders. We need more people who will get in the thick of things to work out the kinks rather than those who'd sit on the sidelines, complain, and blame. Ultimately, we must be optimistic ourselves before putting the demand on others to be the same.

Decades ago, when I was much younger, I heard someone tell me, "When in doubt, look to Jesus for answers." How can anyone go wrong with that approach? But, really, with all kidding aside, if anyone had a positive attitude, it was Jesus. Even though he was bombarded with negatives and pressed from all sides with seemingly endless sets of problems, He modeled resilience and positivity for us to follow. Just consider some of the issues he faced: 

• There is no more wine! The wedding celebration will be ruined!

• Peter’s mother-in-law is dying!

• The centurion’s daughter is dead!

• We have to pay taxes, but we have no money!

• We don’t have any food to feed the thousands who came to listen!

• Lazarus is dead!

• The storm is too strong! We're all going to die!

• All the folks want to drive You off the cliff!

• Make us Your second-in-command and forget the rest!

• The religious leaders want to question You.
  

That’s a list of just some of the problems Jesus faced. As a true optimist, Jesus did not ignore problems. Rather, He tackled them with a positive attitude, and His attitude depended on the truth that God is in control, God is able, and God listens to His prayers.(1 See below) Perhaps that's the key to "Christian" optimism: God is in control; He is willing and able; and our Heavenly Father hears our prayers. That's a huge advantage. We're not abandoned or left alone to face problems on our own. God sees us. He hears us. He never leaves us. He is orchestrating behind the scenes. And He will intervene at the right moment.

Therefore, based on that truth, let’s train our eyes to see what is good and positive in our lives. Let us see things from God’s perspective. Don't stop at identifying the issues or problems. Take one step further, and take the problems to Him who is willing and able to help us. Remain resilient and positive. Be a part of the solution. As James 1:2-4 tells us, life is full of trials. Pessimists will complain, blame others, and throw in the towel. Yet, optimists, especially the faithful, will persevere and get to work. Let us, therefore, remain positive, pray earnestly, keep pressing on, and wait on Him who promises to provide, help, guide, rescue, and bless His children.

(1) Now, some may object here and say, "Well, Jesus was fully God, so He wasn't bothered by problems or issues." True, but He was fully human as well. So, He felt what we feel, and He wrestled with agony as we do.