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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
"Don't Be Negative!"
What do you think about that title? Is there anything about it that seems contradictory? How can someone say, “Don’t be negative” without being negative? Yet “being negative” is often considered a serious flaw in one’s character.
Yes, being negative is often a sign of a character strewn with pessimism. When God’s promises are considered, it is hard to be a total pessimist.
Is the glass half full? Or half empty? That is the benchmark question, often used to cause us to think more positively. There are many reasons for Christians to be the most positive people on earth. We have the Gospel, God’s power to save, Romans 1:16. We have the “hope of eternal life” in Christ, Titus 1:2, 3:7.
Biblical “hope” is more than merely wishing, but is a hope based upon the promise of God Who “cannot lie.” What greater assurance could one ever “hope” to possess? God’s promises are dependable.
However, there are many “negatives” in the Bible. The “don’t be negative” comment is usually reserved as a warning for a preacher who is perceived to major in “negatives.” It certainly is possible for us preachers to get on our “high horse” and beat our brethren over the head with constant negatives. That kind of preaching is not what Jesus authorized, and it is not the kind of preaching that will save souls. So, “don’t be negative”!
Is there any room for negatives in the preaching of the Gospel? Is “thou shalt not” forbidden in preaching? Must one be positive about everything…even sin? “Surely you jest, preacher,” but of course, just a brief look at the responsibility God gives to preachers reveals that it includes warnings about sin, giving heed to false doctrine, etc.
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, the Lord inspired many negatives, including adultery, ignorance of God’s Word, law suits among brethren about “the smallest matters,” the danger of apostasy, leading a weaker brother/sister to sin, misusing “spiritual gifts,” and others. Yes, there is a place for negatives in a Christian’s life.
Pessimist? or Realist?
At what point can a Christian be “against” something? When does being against a matter become pessimism? When the Holy Spirit gave Timothy his marching orders, he was told:
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2
Timothy’s preaching was to include both positives and negatives, and that is the way it should be today. No preacher has the right to ignore the “negatives” of the Bible just to make his hearers think only “positive” thoughts. God’s warnings are serious. Jesus said that “few” would enter the way that leads to life, Matthew 7:13-15. If that isn’t “negative,” I don’t know what is. A Christian can be a realist without being a pessimist.
Decisions of Life
Christians make many decisions in life. Some are more difficult than others, but all must be made with God’s Word as their anchor. We eventually must choose between two or more points and make the best choice. Some do not settle on the issue of “right” or “wrong,” but merely demand that we use good judgment. To oppose a matter of judgment is not the same as opposing a matter of truth. Good and honest men can differ on judgment matters and neither one be “wrong” in so doing. The “wrong” comes when a matter of opinion causes discord among brethren, Proverbs 6:16-19.
Should we provide support for this evangelistic endeavor? Should we make these improvements in our facilities? Should we encourage our brethren to engage in this activity? If God’s Word does not give direction in this matter, or if it is merely an expedient matter, we must be charitable to those with whom we disagree. That is a positive mandate.
“Thou Shalt Not…”
In the King James translation, the phrase “thou shalt not” is found 219 times. Of those, 205 are found in the Old Testament, 14 in the New Testament. Does that make the Gospel a purely “positive” document? No, but it may indicate the hope that is brought to mankind by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
Christians…be negative when the Bible demands it. Don’t soft-pedal any of it. Also, be positive every time you can, for there is so much about which to be hopeful and optimistic. Use good judgment yourself, and respect the judgment of others when it is appropriate.
Is the glass half full, or half empty? It may be both, but why argue about it? Let’s be positive — or negative, using God’s word to decide which is best in each circumstance.
Carl B. Garner
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“There is nothing more imprudent than excessive prudence.”
“Distrust your judgment the moment you can discern the shadow of a personal motive in it.”
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment,”
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Vacation Bible School
Our 2006 Vacation Bible School begins tomorrow and goes through Wednesday. Three days packed with Bible instruction, application and activities! Many faithful workers have been putting vast amounts of time and energy into making this our “best one so far.” Your efforts are not going unnoticed, faithful Christians!
Our theme is “Great Heroes of Faith.” The characters and subjects to be studied in the order of their “appearance” are Moses and the Tabernacle, David and Abigail and Paul and Silas. One of the most popular of all the activities of the week is the appearance of a “Mystery Bible Character” each day.
Wednesday at noon, “Bruno’s Hot Dog Lunch” will again be provided for all those registered and their parents.
Wednesday evening will be devoted to a review of the three days’ activities, illustrating them with a power point presentation. All of these activities will be led by our very fine and talented young people. Many visitors, family and friends of those enrolled in VBS, are expected to be in attendance.
May we again remind all of you who have volunteered to bring snack and/or food items for the week to be sure and bring those items here by this evening.
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