Don’t let “flat world” people spoil your attitude! Just as inward storms contribute to developing a negative attitude, outward influences also play a part. Consider the following four causes. There is the closeness of criticism. The problem with criticism is that it always comes close to where we live or what we love.

However, criticism will either crush us or strengthen us, depending on how we respond to it. The secret is realizing that the best fruit is the one the birds pick. Jesus was doing the right thing, yet He was continually criticized and misunderstood. Second, there is the presence of problems. At times we become flooded with problems. Usually, it is the number of difficulties rather than the size of them that wears us down. The “Serenity Prayer” gives good counsel here—“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Third, there is the conflict of change. We resist nothing more than change. The benefits of change are enjoyable, but we hate the process that brings them about. Why? Because we are creatures of habit. We tend to view life only from our own personal perspective. However, “change brings growth and growth brings change.” Finally, there is the night of negativism. Our greatest challenge as Christians is to think right in a negative world. Negative thinking creates clouds at critical times. Negative talking is very contagious. Negative thinking blows everything out of proportion. Negative thinking limits God and our potential. Negative thinking keeps us from enjoying life. Negative thinking hinders others from making a positive response. The explorer Christopher Columbus had to contend with a “flat-world” society. Today, we still have much “flat-world” thinking all around us, and it works to stifle creativity. Be careful out there!

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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