Positivity!

[M30USA]

Deb, I think if you carefully read our posts you'll find out that's not what we are saying.

[todreaminblue]

Deb, I think if you carefully read our posts you'll find out that's not what we are saying.

 

all i see is blowing off people who are positive....that they are discontent because they are positive or try to be positive.....and i am not in a positive frame of mind so i see what i want to see.....which is negative...that' s how negative works it colors all ....negative terminals and positive terminals connected on a battery can produce light .....if you put two negative terminals together they dont light they are repelled.....so me reading negative and being negative at the same time is repelling any thought of positivity any form of light i had ....is not here today....and i must be really fun to reply too......deb

[pie2]

Jesus was a man of sorrows, possibly due to being able to see what others couldn't. I relate "sorrows" to depth, but am most likely way off on this one as far as what the Bible was saying.

 

pih, I definitely think Jesus had sorrows, troubles, pain, doubts (well, at least once), and other difficulties. For sure!!

 

I guess we need to define what we mean by "positivity" and the opposite, "negativity".

 

To me, those terms don't have anything to do with thoughts on sin and darkness, or feeling sad, troubled emotions. We all have trials and darkness and depressing emotions in our lives.

 

IMO, negativity has to do with discontent. Jesus was never discontent. And positivity is the opposite. I think positivity is being content and optimistic despite the most desperate circumstances. And yes, I think we should be! Heaven is coming!! How could we not remain positive and hopeful? (or at least try to )

 

Anyway, that's what I thought we were talking about.

 

I humbly think there is a difference in being sad or down to being a negative person. If someone is sad, I want to be there for them and lift them up, be available to give them comfort. Negative people seem like nothing in the world could please them because they prefer to be dark and angry. Am I misunderstanding?

 

I completely agree with you Smilecharmer.

 

this thread depresses me for some reason.....i fidn it disheartening to know that people agree with, its sickening almost to think if you smile the world will smile with you...when actually most of the time its a physiological action if someone smiles it is passed on....that a smile at someone who needed it can often brighten an otherwise negative day

 

i deal in truth and i know sometimes the truth hurts......and theres always the fact when you are trying to be positive someone is there or around the corner to take you down

 

i am not discontent.......because i look for positive messages and positive people i am an empath who needs to get away from the pain of others for a while to bring back my positivity

 

i dont know but i woudl take a wild guess very few on this board have ever been beaten and literally stoned nearly drowned and raped repeatedly as a child ...but ill still smile and say yep lets try and find a positive..

 

Deb, I couldn't agree more! Staying positive in difficult circumstances is admirable, in my book!!! I'm glad I'm not alone.

 

Deb, I think if you carefully read our posts you'll find out that's not what we are saying.

 

I agree with Deb; I see "positive people" being cut down because they are seemingly out of touch.

 

I think we need a definition of what "positivity" means to you. If you could .

 

 

I think it's really great how you expressed yourself about that situation at work! You painted such a good picture! Awesome job!

 

 

I know...it's just incredible!!! Fantastic use of the forum there too!!!

[TheFinalWord]

To me, its easier to be negative than positive. Being positive takes mental effort. It's a choice. Using common sense, that doesn't mean someone lives in a fantasy world, but it helps people recognize they are important and have potential.

 

Positive affirmations have clinical data demonstrating they reduce stress.

 

Affirmation of Personal Values Buffers Neuroendocrine and Psychological Stress Responses

 

Why would that be a bad thing? On the whole, mental health tends to be stigmatized, yet it is a major issue. The fact so many people do not have positive outlets (e.g. not online forums and social media, real relationships) to express how they feel is a problem in our society.

 

Being a positive person shouldn't mean you live in a fantasy world, and too much of anything is generally not optimal. But on the whole, I would rather be around a positive person than a negative person. I would also argue, it is better for one's health (I don't consider health only to be only physical e.g. absence of disease, but also emotional, mental, spiritual, etc.)

[pie2]

To me, its easier to be negative than positive. Being positive takes mental effort. It's a choice. Using common sense, that doesn't mean someone lives in a fantasy world, but it helps people recognize they are important and have potential.

 

Positive affirmations have clinical data demonstrating they reduce stress.

 

Affirmation of Personal Values Buffers Neuroendocrine and Psychological Stress Responses

 

Why would that be a bad thing? On the whole, mental health tends to be stigmatized, yet it is a major issue. The fact so many people do not have positive outlets (e.g. not online forums and social media, real relationships) to express how they feel is a problem in our society.

 

Being a positive person shouldn't mean you live in a fantasy world, and too much of anything is generally not optimal. But on the whole, I would rather be around a positive person than a negative person. I would also argue, it is better for one's health (I don't consider health only to be only physical e.g. absence of disease, but also emotional, mental, spiritual, etc.)

 

 

Yes, it's not about being out of touch with reality. Being positive (to me) is about acknowledging the bad AND the good. And for a Christian, the good should always outweigh the bad. Our sins have been forgiven....how can we complain!

 

But I'll say it again, it's not always easy.

[pureinheart]

Personally I'd say keep it real and stay close to God. God has taken me into travails before. I remember a few weeks before 9/11 every time we drove by the Pentagon I'd break out in loud prayer (tongues) and was crying all of the time. I didn't understand it and thought it was because of always being politically inclined. There were other travails like this.

[Smilecharmer]

I can't say too much here because I don't know you personally. But if a person is deliberately living in sin and blocking out God, what good will positive affirmations do for them? It's just like the prophet Jeremiah who confronted a wicked nation with a message from God (a pretty negative one) and he was driven away as the people said (paraphrased), "No, tell us good news. Tells us words of peace and tell us easy words."

 

The flip side of this is there truly IS a time for being positive. If a person has the "godly sorrow that leads to repentance" and is stuck in guilt, THEN we should be "positive" and make them realize there is no condemnation for those in Christ. But we skip past the bad news and start out with the good news. It doesn't work like that. If a person is not repenting and has no desire to repent, there is no good news. In this case being positive is lying. As the prophet said, "They dress the wounds (ie, sin) of my people lightly and say 'peace' when there is no peace."

 

 

If someone who is Christian is living with the possibility of salvation, it just seems to me that would be reason enough to be positive. I think the idea that positivity as a movement is puke inducing is sad because this world has become so negative that if we feel the need to teach positivity as a part of spiritual freedom from pain, fear and depression, then there is a reason, just look around you. Psychologists and drug companies are proof of the need of something aside from the negative. Can you imagine if people from the Dark Ages saw our therapy and drug programs, they would be incredulous.

Positivity is a small light that is exposed one out of a hundred times a day while negativity seems to be the cloud most people live in. Being comfortable in it and seeing it as realism is fine but ignoring the fact that we all have our own perspectives and can see a situation or event in many different ways is just denying that negativity is why there is so much sin in the world. People lash out when they are in dark places, doing things they normally wouldn't do. I understand this is religious rhetoric for you, but for many people a positive moment or person is the difference between having one good thing happen in their entire day. I agree with deb, I must leave this thread because negativity isn't some creative idea for me to show my realism or my hipster coolness all the while spouting verses from one of the most uplifting figures in the world, Jesus, while saying that negativity is a good thing, a real thing in the world. Negativity isn't a game to me, trauma made it impossible for me to think something that dark and insidious could ever have a place in my spirituality. I think positivity is a good thing. I'm peaceful and happy for a good reason. I hope I didn't offend anyone.

Edited July 10, 2014 by Smilecharmer

[Eternal Sunshine]

I think it's really great how you expressed yourself about that situation at work! You painted such a good picture! Awesome job!

 

I find most positivity fake. Real positivity is all fine and good but people should be able to embrace their own darkness and stop pretending that everything is sunny. Same with confidence. I much prefer authentic people.

 

As for that sticker at work, my collagues all laughed when I tore it up. They love me

[pureinheart]

It's interesting that, in philosophy and theology, I come across as "negative". But people who know me personally all say that I'm content and hardly need anything. This may seem like a paradox, but I believe it's completely logical. One thing I've noticed is that the followers of positive preachers tend to be the most discontent and anxious. Maybe they are the very ones who want more, more, more...so they follow preachers who tell them how to get more. But it only causes them more discontentment.

 

You come across this way online IMO also. Just to make clear (I noticed after posting this sounded bad!) you sound content and not negative...

 

 

 

pih, I definitely think Jesus had sorrows, troubles, pain, doubts (well, at least once), and other difficulties. For sure!!

 

I guess we need to define what we mean by "positivity" and the opposite, "negativity".

 

To me, those terms don't have anything to do with thoughts on sin and darkness, or feeling sad, troubled emotions. We all have trials and darkness and depressing emotions in our lives.

 

IMO, negativity has to do with discontent. Jesus was never discontent. And positivity is the opposite. I think positivity is being content and optimistic despite the most desperate circumstances. And yes, I think we should be! Heaven is coming!! How could we not remain positive and hopeful? (or at least try to )

 

Anyway, that's what I thought we were talking about.

 

LOL Pie, I've been all over the place on this thread, communicating several thoughts. It's caused me to do a lot of deep thinking and a lot of thinking out loud here.

 

For me, I agree with M30 as far as the actual positivity thinking teaching. Now if we are referring to joy in the Lord I think that's different and quite Biblical. Joy in the Lord allows us a balance looking at situations rationally- yes it might be bad, but we'll deal with it.

 

The actual positivity teaching I think is, or contributes to a normalcy bias. IMO it creates pathways in our brains causing one to think that all is well and normal when it really isn't...that part is scary for me because as these thought processes become stronger the false sense of security becomes stronger.

 

Then there is the other end of the spectrum, extreme negativity/depression. This is unhealthy physically. I hit this point for a few years, but didn't show it, it was on the inside, but it did eventually surface here and there. It was the joy of the Lord that brought me out of it- changing my mind basically, recognizing the thought processes taking me down that road of hopelessness. Making those pathways die and creating new bright thought processes while keeping in touch with reality. This world sucks IMO, and being a person that feels everything seemingly, I can get on some real dangerous ground and have gone both ways concerning this topic- turning a blind eye because I can't handle it or recognizing it and being ripped apart inside leading to depressions that almost killed me.

 

Hey Pie, this wasn't meant to be a sermon to you (or anyone) I wanted to put all of the thoughts together in a way that made more sense as to where I'm coming from. So many of the people around me are simply oblivious as to what is going on around them in all things. I am so grateful that the people here and other sites that are engaged...that is truly a blessing! (no matter what side of the fence!)

Edited July 11, 2014 by pureinheart

[M30USA]

For me, I agree with M30 as far as the actual positivity thinking teaching. Now if we are referring to joy in the Lord I think that's different and quite Biblical. Joy in the Lord allows us a balance looking at situations rationally- yes it might be bad, but we'll deal with it.

 

I was about to reply but Pure said it right here.

[pie2]

The actual positivity teaching I think is, or contributes to a normalcy bias. IMO it creates pathways in our brains causing one to think that all is well and normal when it really isn't...that part is scary for me because as these thought processes become stronger the false sense of security becomes stronger.

 

Normalcy bias? Not sure I'm getting it still but...

 

Do you mean, for example, going to church and talking with someone who's repeatedly cheating on her husband (with zero signs of repentance), and telling her, "it's alright...God loves you no matter what!" Staying "positive" about awful things? If that's the normalcy bias that positivity can create, I agree that that is not healthy. No question that accepting and normalizing what is sinful isn't good, in any way!

[TheFinalWord]

An example of positivity:

 

Victor Wooten - playing with the broken string bass

 

 

Victor keeps playing bass, even though his bass string broke. He could sit around and mope about how awful it is to play with a broken string, or he could man (or woman ) up, improvise, and keep playing...not focusing on the broken string. He didn't ignore the fact the string was broken, he acknowledged it and moved on (a psychological construct known as hardiness), and played a pretty happy tune...instead of bragging about how awesome he was for playing with a broken bass string.

 

That's a silly example, but the way I see positivity.

 

If someone wants to be negative and it helps them cope, I guess it's fine. As long as they're not bragging about how holy they are for walking on coals for God

 

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

Edited July 11, 2014 by TheFinalWord

[todreaminblue]

An example of positivity:

 

Victor Wooten - playing with the broken string bass

 

 

Victor keeps playing bass, even though his bass string broke. He could sit around and mope about how awful it is to play with a broken string, or he could man (or woman ) up, improvise, and keep playing...not focusing on the broken string. He didn't ignore the fact the string was broken, he acknowledged it and moved on (a psychological construct known as hardiness), and played a pretty happy tune...instead of bragging about how awesome he was for playing with a broken bass string.

 

That's a silly example, but the way I see positivity.

 

If someone wants to be negative and it helps them cope, I guess it's fine. As long as they're not bragging about how holy they are for walking on coals for God

 

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

 

 

i like this final word...you always have postive messages ...i love the way you word things....so succinct and just.....

 

 

if things are bad you shouldnt have to let every body see it in your face........i try to smile.....even if i dont feel like smiling ill think of something to smile about.......and it is hard to do ...its hard to face people some times who have hurt you and you can avoid it and stay home and be negative or you can try and face it the best way you know how ...which is a smile on your face and hope you dont say something stupid......i often feel awkward and uncomfortable i am an empath and i feel what others feel too.....i notice things and it is hard for me to feel comfortable when i am feeling vibes from who knows where....makes me unsettled

 

 

 

I try to isolate what i am feeling and i cant...........i go in with praying in my head and heart ....god please help get me through this give em a positive image or thought...and normally god is there warming my spirit....but sometimes he isnt and i still try by myself to be postive ........i could be totally negative and run to the bathroom or take off.......i really try not to.....by being positive........not about sin ...but about coping with positivity battling on......fighting the voice that says ill never make it ...i cant do it run and hide.......and it isnt easy to stay positive when part of you is a recluse for a reason but i belive in affirmations......i believe in the power i have to stay postiive not so i can sin but so i can live without sin or deny what i am supposed to do but the strength i need to do what i have to do ..............deb

[pie2]

Victor keeps playing bass, even though his bass string broke. He could sit around and mope about how awful it is to play with a broken string, or he could man (or woman ) up, improvise, and keep playing...not focusing on the broken string. He didn't ignore the fact the string was broken, he acknowledged it and moved on (a psychological construct known as hardiness), and played a pretty happy tune...instead of bragging about how awesome he was for playing with a broken bass string.

 

Positivity, meaning resilience, acceptance, and hope in the midst of difficult circumstance. That's exactly the kind of reaction I think of when I hear positivity. And that's the kind of reaction I strive for.

 

Though maybe if Victor beat his bass up a tiny bit less, he'd not have broken stings .

[todreaminblue]

Positivity, meaning resilience, acceptance, and hope in the midst of difficult circumstance. That's exactly the kind of reaction I think of when I hear positivity. And that's the kind of reaction I strive for.

 

Though maybe if Victor beat his bass up a tiny bit less, he'd not have broken stings .

 

 

 

pie too , that's exactly what i think too of positivity is too, acceptance hope and resiliance to make it.......deb

[Smilecharmer]

An example of positivity:

 

Victor Wooten - playing with the broken string bass

 

 

Victor keeps playing bass, even though his bass string broke. He could sit around and mope about how awful it is to play with a broken string, or he could man (or woman ) up, improvise, and keep playing...not focusing on the broken string. He didn't ignore the fact the string was broken, he acknowledged it and moved on (a psychological construct known as hardiness), and played a pretty happy tune...instead of bragging about how awesome he was for playing with a broken bass string.

 

That's a silly example, but the way I see positivity.

 

If someone wants to be negative and it helps them cope, I guess it's fine. As long as they're not bragging about how holy they are for walking on coals for God

 

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

 

Wonderful post, TFW. This is exactly what I was trying to understand. You said it so much better than I ever could and it really drives home for me what Christianity is really about. Thank you for explaining it to me. You rock.

[TheFinalWord]

You rock.

 

Thanks! Not as good as Victor, but I try

[Eternal Sunshine]

If positivity is resiliance like TFW example then I am all for it and I AM positive.

 

When people say positivity what I think is this:

 

You wake up and find out some upsetting news. Like your bf has doubts about your relationship, you get a bad review at work or similar. Instead of akwondledging it and saying "You know what"? Today sucked." - you say "This is just great. I know this will lead me to bigger and better things. When life throws you lemons you make a lemonade :D" I find that fake and supressing emotions can be damaging in the long term. It's like today's society teaches us that it isn't OK to feel depressed or have a bad day.

 

If by negative you mean those that always whinge and highlight negatives in every situation, then yes, I agree that those people are not someone I want to be around.

 

To me, the best way is: akcnoledge that you feel bad and that it's OK. Know that it will pass. Don't wallow. Get up tomorrow and try again, hope for better.

 

P.S. I can't help but make fun of those generic positive affirmantions. So lame.

[todreaminblue]

If positivity is resiliance like TFW example then I am all for it and I AM positive.

 

When people say positivity what I think is this:

 

You wake up and find out some upsetting news. Like your bf has doubts about your relationship, you get a bad review at work or similar. Instead of akwondledging it and saying "You know what"? Today sucked." - you say "This is just great. I know this will lead me to bigger and better things. When life throws you lemons you make a lemonade :D" I find that fake and supressing emotions can be damaging in the long term. It's like today's society teaches us that it isn't OK to feel depressed or have a bad day.

 

If by negative you mean those that always whinge and highlight negatives in every situation, then yes, I agree that those people are not someone I want to be around.

 

To me, the best way is: akcnoledge that you feel bad and that it's OK. Know that it will pass. Don't wallow. Get up tomorrow and try again, hope for better.

 

P.S. I can't help but make fun of those generic positive affirmantions. So lame.

 

 

if life throws a lemon at you throw it right back harder.......there's my positive affirmation that to me isnt lame.....deb

[pureinheart]

Normalcy bias? Not sure I'm getting it still but...

 

Do you mean, for example, going to church and talking with someone who's repeatedly cheating on her husband (with zero signs of repentance), and telling her, "it's alright...God loves you no matter what!" Staying "positive" about awful things? If that's the normalcy bias that positivity can create, I agree that that is not healthy. No question that accepting and normalizing what is sinful isn't good, in any way!

 

Yes, in a sense Pie...you nailed it in a more practical way. Taking it even a bit further...

 

I suppose it could be more political in nature and it's hard not to relate it to certain attitudes today, although for me Bible prophecy and current events are one in the same.

 

Here's a Christian perspective. I'm not familiar with this site so it could be a prepper site. I agree with being prepared, although not to the degree that some preppers go to, but do admire their tenacity.

 

The Normalcy Bias and Bible Prophecy

 

...and then the secular version

 

Normalcy bias - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The normalcy bias, or normality bias, refers to a mental state people enter when facing a disaster. It causes people to underestimate both the possibility of a disaster occurring and its possible effects. This may results in situations where people fail to adequately prepare for a disaster, and on a larger scale, the failure of governments to include the populace in its disaster preparations.

 

The assumption that is made in the case of the normalcy bias is that since a disaster never has occurred then it never will occur. It can result in the inability of people to cope with a disaster once it occurs. People with a normalcy bias have difficulties reacting to something they have not experienced before. People also tend to interpret warnings in the most optimistic way possible, seizing on any ambiguities to infer a less serious situation.

 

This ^^^^ is basically what you said. Wiki places it on a national/global level...I really hope I made sense as bedtime should have been a few hours ago:o love you Pie:love:

[M30USA]

My whole point is that happiness and sorrow don't even matter from an eternal perspective. They are not ends in themselves but transient emotions. If a person is going to strive for an emotional state, he or she should strive for contentment and joy, not happiness or sorrow, not positivity or negativity. Yes, there are verses in Bible about cheerfulness, etc, but did you know there are also verses which say that sorrow is good for the spirit? As Scripture says, God made one as well as the other. Why would anyone cut out what God has made?

 

To me it seems a miserable existence to seek happiness. That is called Hedonism. And ironically it creates UN-happiness. Happiness is like a bird that you can't trap. Sometimes you see and hear it. But you can't catch and control it. If you try, you'll get exasperated. Just live and let live. Seek truth above all else.

Edited July 11, 2014 by M30USA

[pureinheart]

My whole point is that happiness and sorrow don't even matter from an eternal perspective. They are not ends in themselves but transient emotions. If a person is going to strive for an emotional state, he or she should strive for contentment and joy, not happiness or sorrow, not positivity or negativity. Yes, there are verses in Bible about cheerfulness, etc, but did you know there are also verses which say that sorrow is good for the spirit? As Scripture says, God made one as well as the other. Why would anyone cut out what God has made?

 

To me it seems a miserable existence to seek happiness. That is called Hedonism. And ironically it creates UN-happiness. Happiness is like a bird that you can't trap. Sometimes you see and hear it. But you can't catch and control it. If you try, you'll get exasperated. Just live and let live. Seek truth above all else.

 

A.M.E.N.

 

This is difficult to describe and even more difficult to prove due to a lot of the positive thinking literature thinly veiling the actual concept. This was a big thing in the 80's and 90's. A lot of cute little catch phases evolved from this- basically if it makes you "happy" do it, who cares about the consequences. There's a lot of things that cause temporary happiness, but are ultimately lethal. This could be why there is so much apathy in the church and secular society.

 

It's interesting that when secular society wants a particular line of thinking or agenda, the churches are the main targets necessary to get the masses on board.

[pie2]

If positivity is resiliance like TFW example then I am all for it and I AM positive.

 

When people say positivity what I think is this:

 

You wake up and find out some upsetting news. Like your bf has doubts about your relationship, you get a bad review at work or similar. Instead of akwondledging it and saying "You know what"? Today sucked." - you say "This is just great. I know this will lead me to bigger and better things. When life throws you lemons you make a lemonade :D" I find that fake and supressing emotions can be damaging in the long term. It's like today's society teaches us that it isn't OK to feel depressed or have a bad day.

 

If by negative you mean those that always whinge and highlight negatives in every situation, then yes, I agree that those people are not someone I want to be around.

 

To me, the best way is: akcnoledge that you feel bad and that it's OK. Know that it will pass. Don't wallow. Get up tomorrow and try again, hope for better.

 

Whining and highlighting the negative all the time can get really old.

 

And I agree, we're only human. When we have really bad days, we can't help but feeling down. Job (in the bible) had some monumental bad days, and was completely distraught. And yet, the key was that he never blamed God and always had hope that God was in control, and he would come out alright in the end. I still think of that as positive, in a way. He wasn't in denial about his circumstances, but he still had hope.

 

The Normalcy Bias and Bible Prophecy

 

...and then the secular version

 

Normalcy bias - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The normalcy bias, or normality bias, refers to a mental state people enter when facing a disaster. It causes people to underestimate both the possibility of a disaster occurring and its possible effects. This may results in situations where people fail to adequately prepare for a disaster, and on a larger scale, the failure of governments to include the populace in its disaster preparations.

 

The assumption that is made in the case of the normalcy bias is that since a disaster never has occurred then it never will occur. It can result in the inability of people to cope with a disaster once it occurs. People with a normalcy bias have difficulties reacting to something they have not experienced before. People also tend to interpret warnings in the most optimistic way possible, seizing on any ambiguities to infer a less serious situation.

 

This ^^^^ is basically what you said. Wiki places it on a national/global level...I really hope I made sense as bedtime should have been a few hours ago:o love you Pie:love:

 

Thanks, pih! That really helped clear up what you meant by normalcy bias . That denial about the gravity of a situation IS dangerous, I agree. Sometimes things are so overwhelming that we can't really even process it. In that way, staying in denial (disguised as "being positive") is totally destructive in many cases, imo.

 

My whole point is that happiness and sorrow don't even matter from an eternal perspective. They are not ends in themselves but transient emotions. If a person is going to strive for an emotional state, he or she should strive for contentment and joy, not happiness or sorrow, not positivity or negativity. Yes, there are verses in Bible about cheerfulness, etc, but did you know there are also verses which say that sorrow is good for the spirit? As Scripture says, God made one as well as the other. Why would anyone cut out what God has made?

 

To me it seems a miserable existence to seek happiness. That is called Hedonism. And ironically it creates UN-happiness. Happiness is like a bird that you can't trap. Sometimes you see and hear it. But you can't catch and control it. If you try, you'll get exasperated. Just live and let live. Seek truth above all else.

 

Seeking happiness is not biblical...I completely agree with you.

 

But your post makes you sound a little scared of emotions (aka like a stereotypical guy ). Don't fear sorrow! It's OK to feel. God feels many emotions, and they're just part of the human experience.

 

But yeah, we shouldn't be dictated by our feelings. They're so fickle. At the end of the day, the foundation of our principles are really what matter (loving God with our whole hearts, loving others, following Christ).

[todreaminblue]

My whole point is that happiness and sorrow don't even matter from an eternal perspective. They are not ends in themselves but transient emotions. If a person is going to strive for an emotional state, he or she should strive for contentment and joy, not happiness or sorrow, not positivity or negativity. Yes, there are verses in Bible about cheerfulness, etc, but did you know there are also verses which say that sorrow is good for the spirit? As Scripture says, God made one as well as the other. Why would anyone cut out what God has made?

 

To me it seems a miserable existence to seek happiness. That is called Hedonism. And ironically it creates UN-happiness. Happiness is like a bird that you can't trap. Sometimes you see and hear it. But you can't catch and control it. If you try, you'll get exasperated. Just live and let live. Seek truth above all else.

 

 

truth is knowledge so ill quote this first

 

 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8English Standard Version (ESV)

 

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[a] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

 

 

 

knowledge or truth as you say will pass away but love will not...pure love fo chirst for an example....you talk of hedonism being happiness...but that would be only if you rejoice and find happiness in sin....if you go out into the world and find happiness in a tree ....or the singing of a bird or in the sound of the ocean or the affection and love in anothers eyes.....or the ripe mango that smells so sweet and is so luscious to eat...pure bliss...........all are gods creation that are meant to bring happiness...it is not hedonistic to seek happiness...

 

 

 

if your happiness doesn't come from sinning....if you find contentment or happiness in loving someone completely god desireall that is good for us and ultimately all that is good gives us happiness...when we envy another that is sin.....but when we find it in ourselves and in another that is not sin and in no way hedonistic in nature or design....havign desire to seek things that make you happy lessens not the beauty of what you seek...depends if it is right or wrong....especially when it comes to happiness....i seek to be happy....i seek to endure i seek to hope i seek after all that si good because what is good for me makes me happy.....

 

 

 

i have to wonder m3ousa when you say you are content but yet find the negatives......if you arent colored by previous un happiness in your relationships and in your life......that you might paint a picture of joy and happiness as being hedonistic......it isnt ...and never was meant to be hedonistic(thats sin) if you follow what god wants for us which is actually....happiness more than that...a fulness of joy..that you seek happiness diligently and to paint pictures of happiness for others that they may endure and hope. ill keep seeking that happiness on earth in all the littel pleasures god has put on my plate...as god so desires passionately i find them ...i bet he smiles when i do find little slices of happiness and share it around....yep i know he does my heart just felt warmth...(we all know god is never just content or neutral he is passionate fiery huge with love that gods heart weighs seven oceans even or more......(the child in me thinks that)...... for all of us to do what we have to do to seek happiness...in the right way...is what our lives are meant for.....not just to sit and be content and not be superceded in joy......thats what we deserve and what god wants....doesnt mean to find it in sin or hedonistic pleasures..........but what god gave for us to have joy.....we should seek that..deb

 

 

 

adam and eve sought truth ....we all know from where and what it got them...they refused to seek happy didnt they with what they had and what they could have....they wanted truth.......at least they fell so we could vie....live and know happiness.......otherwise we wouldnt realize how special happiness is....the only one who alwasy knows the truth is god............deb

Edited July 12, 2014 by todreaminblue

[pie2]

Seeking happiness is not biblical...I completely agree with you.

 

Just want to clarify: I mean constantly seeking happiness, pleasure, good feelings isn't God's plan for us. Challenges can be very spiritual experiences that bring us closer to God, so they're definitely part of our spiritual journeys.

 

if your happiness doesn't come from sinning....if you find contentment or happiness in loving someone completely god desireall that is good for us and ultimately all that is good gives us happiness...

 

God does want us to be happy in Him. Being happy isn't wrong, in any way.

 

Paul said he has learned to be content when he had much and when he had little. To me, this means that when God chooses to bless us with something, we should appreciate it and be content. I think Paul was telling us that being happy isn't wrong .