Pessimism or Optimism?

The dominant perspectives of the pessimist and optimist are demonstrated by the questions they ask (whether by words or actions.)

• Pessimist – “What are the potential dangers?”
• Optimist – “What are the potential opportunities?”

There are extremes at both ends of this spectrum.  The extreme pessimist is a skeptic who can hardly do anything because there’s always a potential downside to any action.  (Pro 22:13; Eccl 11:4)[1]  And there is the Pollyanna who may be blind to potential dangers while focusing only on the potential benefits.

And there is actually value in being open to both dangers and rewards.  So, how do we find the right blend?  Would it surprise you that  the answer is, “Look to Jesus…”?  Heb 12:2[2]

In his famous Sermon on the mount, He tells us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit!”  But we can never arrive at this humble state of heart and mind without some humiliation along the way.  There is the potential danger.  But Jesus assures us there’s a reward – “For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”  (Mat 5:3)

Again, “Blessed are they that mourn! For they shall be comforted.”  (Mat 5:4) Pain and reward.

And he finishes his beatitudes with, “Blessed are they who have been persecuted for righteousness sake!  For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”  (Mat 5:10)  Then, to make sure his disciples are not blind pollyannas, he further elaborates,

“Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your reward in Heaven is great. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Mat 5:11-12

These were some of his opening words in his Sermon on the Mount.  He follows that up in the remainder of his sermon by setting incredibly high standards that would require a tremendous amount of work to change so many attitudes and habits.  Here’s just one example,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”  Mat 5:43-45

So, Jesus encouraged his disciples to be optimistic, being aware of the difficulties that lay ahead, but focusing primarily on the rewards that lay beyond the challenges.  And, naturally, he took the lead, showing us the way.

According to Jon 6:64, “For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who is the one betraying Him.”  And what enabled him to move ahead in spite of the future pain he knew awaited him?  JOY!  He did exactly what he had told his disciples in his Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5:11-12) as we see in Heb 12:2: “… who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right of the throne of God.”

More Encouragement

Throughout the New Testament we’re encouraged to be optimistic, to not let ourselves be deterred from pursuing the blessings God wants us to enjoy, by potential dangers.  (How often do we worry about things that never happen?)  In fact, rather than shying away from the challenges, we are to see them as something good!  Notice how Paul points this out at Rom 5:3-5,

“And not only so: we also exult in our sufferings, knowing as we do, that suffering produces fortitude; fortitude, ripeness of character; and ripeness of character, hope; and that this hope never disappoints, because God’s love for us floods our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”  (Weymouth)

James put it this way,

“Reckon it nothing but joy, my brethren, whenever you find yourselves hedged in by various trials.  Be assured that the testing of your faith leads to power of endurance.”  Jam 1:2-3 (Weymouth)

Peter, however, points to a different reward,

“Since, then, Christ has suffered in the flesh, you also must arm yourselves with a determination to do the same–because he who has suffered in the flesh has done with sin.”  1 Pet 4:1 (Weymouth)

In their various ways, Jesus, Paul, James, and Peter are all telling us, “Be optimistic.  Turn your stumbling blocks into stepping stones, your lemons into lemonade.”

Bottom line?  Be an optimist!  Look for the silver lining in every dark cloud.  Figure out how the difficulty (and we must have them if we are to grow,) will benefit you.  Then thank God for the opportunity to become more Christ-like, and go into it with eyes wide open in faith that our loving Shepherd will lead you, his sheep, to quiet waters and make you lie down in green pastures.  Remind yourself as David did,

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah forever.”  Ps 23:4-6

All scriptures, unless otherwise noted are from the New King James Version (NKJV)