"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
The basis of all human activity is thought. Communication, interaction, imagination, creativity, joy, sorrow, pleasure, pain, and even basic bodily functions - all begin in the brain. The world we live in is the result of how we has individuals and as humanity have been thinking. If we look around and see scarcity, fear and violence then guess where it's coming from? And knowing where negativity and pessimism come from is the first step toward doing something about them. If Albert Einstein and the Apostle Paul are right, what the world needs today is a shift in the way we think.
Last week I ran across "The Optimist Creed" in a publication. It was written in the early 20th century by Christian Larson and eventually adopted by the organization "Optimist International" as its creed. It goes like this:
Promise Yourself...
- To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
- To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
- To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
- To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
- To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
- To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
- To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
- To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
- To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
- To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
The Apostle Paul again put it this way:
"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things you have learned, received, heard and seen... and the God of peace will be with us." Philippians 4:8-9
Want to change the world, or even your little corner of it? Maybe this wisdom from Einstein, Christian Larson and Paul is a good place to start.
Autumn is a time for optimism! Just look at the beautiful trees that surround us as they change color and take on red and orange hues... After a hot, lengthy summer, I find myself renewed in the fall...more energetic and ready to get down to work, organize outings and get-togethers, and celebrate creation and try to make headway in helping to improve the lives of others...
ReplyDeleteYesterday I was thinking how God works in interesting and unanticipated ways...I had lunch with a former student whom I had not seen in 15 years. Her name popped up on my "linked-in" page so I contacted her immediately. Out of all the students and colleagues from AU, why did her name pop up? God's hand. Turns out she is going through a divorce and having a very difficult time...we had a long conversation and will continue to get together now that we are reconnected. Quite a blessing. Amen!
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