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Presented, January 23, 2005

THE CHRISTIAN AND SELF-RENEWAL (4)

How NOT To Think

The past few weeks we have noted some things we ought to think about to help us get our mind in a right condition so that we can “be transformed by the renewing of the mind” (Romans 12:2).  Today, we want to continue our study with one more lesson about the mind noting how NOT to think.  By way of reminder let us not forget the importance of the mind.  As a rule, we do what we want to do.  And if we REALLY want to do something, if we MAKE UP OUR MINDS, we will find a way to accomplish it.  So many in life are living in mediocrity because they don’t have the fire deep down inside of them (we call that zeal) to move ahead.  It is my hope that we have noted that we need to be moving forward and we need to prepare our minds for that task.  But equally important with what we think about is to consider the some things we should NOT think about. 

I.    The Danger of Improper Thinking

    A.        Far too many in this life are carrying around excessive baggage that hinders them from being able to think properly.  They are dealing with past failures, past hurts, persistent problems that won’t go away, impurities in our lives or simply no desire to change or improve.  They allow these things to rule their thoughts and keep them from moving to where they need to be. 

    B.         IF we find we are not thinking as we ought we HAVE TO change.  The Bible continually calls for change in our minds.

1. Jesus spoke of hardened hearts and closed ears and He described them as being that way by choice – Matthew 13:14-15

            2. 2 Corinthians 10:5 – bringing every thought into captivity

            3. 1 Peter 1:13 tells us to “gird up the loins of your mind”

            4. Romans 12:2 – tells us to be transformed by renewing our mind.

            5. Philippians 4:8 – “meditate on these things”

    C.         To fail to bring our minds into harmony with God’s will will endanger our souls.

II.         II.    The problem of pessimism –

A.      Last week we discussed optimism and how that ought to be the way the Christian lives.  In fact, if your life is what it ought to be – you have every reason to be optimistic.

B.       Pessimism
Webster defines the word as 1. The opinion or doctrine that everything in nature is ordered for or tends to the worst or that the world is wholly evil; -- opposed to optimism.  2. A disposition to take the least hopeful view of things. (Webster, 1913)
It is expecting the worst in a situation.  It is closing our eyes to the possibility of a good outcome.  It is being cynical and viewing everything expecting failure.  Pessimism is a fear of change.  Examples of pessimism include, “Nothing good ever happens to me” or “I just don’t think I can do that”.  In our society, pessimism seems to be a way of life. 
The news media thrives on telling us what is wrong and bad about a given situation. 
Political opponents parse every word of their opponent’s speeches looking for something to criticize and look for reasons why it won’t work.  In many cases they even put obstacles in the way to hinder the possibility of growth so they can prove they were right.  And when something does go wrong they are quick to point it out, even ignoring all the good that might have been accomplished. 
ON THE OTHER HAND, the optimist will give anything a try (at least once, and possibly many times) and if there are problems, they will look for the solutions before they abandon the project.
We can apply that to spiritual matters.  How many of us know Christians who constantly say, “It won’t work” or “nobody really cares” or “I just can’t do that”, etc.?  Before even talking to someone who needs the gospel, they prejudge, “they won’t listen”.  The pessimist looks for the splinter in the eye.  He listens to the sermon looking for what is wrong instead of what is right.  The pessimist looks at what he is forbidden to do and dwells on it (e.g. – my diet)

C.       In God’s word, pessimism is NEVER viewed in a positive light.  Often it is accompanied with a lack of faith.  Let us notice a few examples of this.

a.        Israel at the Red Sea – Exodus 14:10-12.  At the Red Sea Israel sees Pharaoh and his army approaching.  Immediately they complain to Moses.  Notice their attitude, “Because there were no graves…”; “Why did you do this to us?” – blaming Moses; “Didn’t we tell you to leave us alone?” - Saying, “See, we told you!”

b.       Exodus 16:2, Israel complains about being hungry.  CONSIDER what THIS generation had witnessed – the 10 plagues including death of the firstborn, miraculously crossing the Red Sea on dry ground and many other signs.  Yet, how often did they complain saying, “If only we had stayed in Egypt”?  A totally negative and pessimistic attitude.

c.        Refusing to enter Canaan - a classic example of pessimism and a lack of faith.   Israel had been at Mt. Sinai about a year (cf. Numbers 10:11) and immediately they proceed toward Canaan to enter it from the south.  Numbers 13 records the sending of 12 who spy out the land for 40 days.  They return and very the word of the Lord as to the condition of the land.  Note vs. 26-33.  Caleb (and Joshua) says, “Let’s go” but the other spies say we can’t win this battle.  WE are too small.   Now note 14:1-4, the response of the people – they begin to cry and say, “Let’s go back to Egypt”.  After this, Joshua, Caleb, Moses and Aaron try to persuade them differently (14:5-9) but they don’t want to hear it.  They even discuss stoning them. 
NOTE: The impact of pessimistic leaders to influence a fickle people.
The result of their pessimism and lack of faith – 40 years in the wilderness AND all who were over 20 died in the wilderness - save Joshua and Caleb. Also the spies died of a plague immediately after Israel’s condemnation (14:36-38) Brethren, we are pessimistic, WE ARE DEFEATED BEFORE WE START!

d.       1 Samuel 17 - Israel in the face of Goliath – They were facing the Philistines and Goliath, their champion comes out blaspheming Israel, challenging and defying them (10-11).  When Israel head the challenge, they were disheartened (didn’t trust in God to deliver them).  After conversation, David, a small youth, wants to go against him.  King Saul says he cannot go (32-33) because he is a youth and Goliath a warrior. (Pessimism – you can’t win this battle).  Now note David’s answer (36-37) – he says, “God will be with me”.  And He was.  We know the rest of the story.

e.        In the New Testament – Matthew 25:14-30 – The Parable of the Talents.  Three servants given resources “each according to his ability”(15) as their master went away.  When he returns, two of his servants had doubled their money.  But the one talent man returned that which belonged to his master.  When confronted he said, “I knew you were a hard man and I was afraid to so I went and hid your talent” (24-25).  ALL this servant could think of was failure and what would happen in he failed.  The master’s response (26) was to call him a wicked and lazy servant.  Why?  Because he HAD failed.  WHEN we do nothing, we are GUARANTEED to fail.  Better to risk failure trying than to certify it by doing nothing

f.         The enemies of Jesus were pessimists.  They viewed every word of Jesus expecting to find faults.  They ignored the hope He presented to them and focused on what they would have to give up.  Matthew 11:16-19 – They criticized Jesus as a “winebibber” and John as possessed.  They asked Jesus many questions intending to trap Him and find fault.  When He healed they focused on the fact that it was the Sabbath rather than Him being LORD OF THE SABBATH.  Rather than looking with hope at those Jesus associated with they criticized him for dwelling with the worthless lowlife of society. 

g.       At times the disciples of Jesus were pessimistic.

They failed to cast out a demon ( Matthew 17:14-21) and were told they could not do it “because of your unbelief”

Crossing the sea of Galilee they are panicking

During His ministry they never quite got His message that He must die and rise again the third day.

After His resurrection – they are discouraged and defeated.  Not thinking one bit about the promises Jesus made.  When they go to the empty grave, Mary Magdalene and others want to know where the body is – while speaking to Jesus thinking He was the gardener she asks, “where is the body?”  (John 20:14-15).
Thomas refused to believe Jesus had arose until he saw Him and touched His hands – John 20:24-29

    g.  John 21:15-19- as Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him, Peter is hesitant to answer (probably doubting himself). He is unsure whether he can commit.

D.         Let me clarify.  I am NOT saying we ought to ignore problems or that everything we say has to be exhortation (we also need to reprove and rebuke).  There are times when we will become discouraged and disappointed.  Even Jesus faced these at times.  When we are not living right we should not feel optimistic.  BUT my point is this should NOT be the way of life for us!