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Introduction: Norman Vincent Peal became a rich man from the book: "The Power Of Positive Thinking". Millions of people bought the book to help them have a more positive outlook on life. Most people want to be positive in thinking although a few seem to take pride in being against everything and talking down about every good work to be done in the church.

A. The Bible is a book of positive thinking. The righteous will be able to overcome all temptations and have eternal life with God. Our text tells us to think on good things.

A. Article: Negativism. There is no place in the Christian’s life for negativism, yet this is a persistent attitude of many. It constantly talks down the great work of God. It is a prophet of gloom, doom and boom! It says nothing is useful or beneficial, no, not gospel meetings, Bible classes, personal work, visiting the sick, supporting preachers in mission fields, printing bulletins, training classes, etc. Everything proposed is a waste of time, effort, and especially money. That’s what is important! Negativism is not realistic, but materialistic!

Negativism is an elephant in the road to progress; a millstone around the neck of usefulness, a cancer on the mind of its advocate, and an ice pack on the fervor of the faithful. It sees the THORNS on the rose bush rather than the ROSES on the thorn bush. Its parent is little faith, its child is discouragement, it grandchild is cantankerousness, and its first cousin is stubbornness. (Via Raleigh Messenger).

B. What causes negativeness? Most of the time it is a lack of faith or lack of commitment to a cause or project. We do not believe it will work, so we are against it.

A. From within. Our thinking controls us (Prov. 23:7).

1. Text tells us to think on good things. (Examine the text—the word lovely means kindly graces of character, not morose, unkind or fault finding).

2. Jesus tells mankind to be careful in thoughts & words (Matt. 12:35-37).

3. Be thankful for your blessings (I Thes. 5:16-18).

4. Look for the good works in others and praise them for it

a. God commanded Moses to encourage and strengthen Joshua (Deut. 1:38; 3:28).

B. From without. Our associates in and out of the church influence us greatly (I Cor. 15:33).

1. The Proverbs abound with various teachings regarding good and bad friendships.

2. If our friends are positive, it will help us to be positive.

3. If our mate is a positive person, this will help us also.

4. Our fellow-Christians should help us to be positive.

A. If things do not go our way or if we feel we have been abused or neglected, we can become negative.

1. Article: Praying At The End Of The Day.

I’m out of breath, Lord…from going the extra mile so often for so many. My capacity to give feels drained, washed out, expended, dried up. I’m tired and I feel cheated. I guess I want a chance to bask in praise, recognition, and appreciation, even acclaim. Forgive selfish introspection, Lord, and needless self-pity, misdirected, unjustified grudges, and my complaining spirit. Remind me that I, too, make mistakes, let people down, and act on selfish whims. Give me strength to keep on giving, and loving, and caring, and serving when no reward is in sight, and when no one is there to say thanks, let my joy be in doing the unrecognized job. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A. Let us not set ourselves up as a chief critic. Let us praise the good and help eliminate the bad.

B. Notice: Ten rules for improving attitudes in the church:

1. Tell yourself over and over that since you are not perfect, you would not fit into a perfect congregation, if one existed (Rom. 3:23).

2. Instead of picking out the worldly members to criticize, pick out the sincere, dedicated, spiritual members and thank God for them. You will find what you seek (Rev. 3:4).

3. If you are old, treat the young with the consideration you desired as a young person. If you are young, treat the adults with the respect you will want to have when you are mature (I Tim. 5:1,2).

4. When you are tempted to criticize others, be sure to pray earnestly for them first. This may not change them, but it will do wonders for your attitude (Matt. 5:43-48).

5. When you see a work neglected, instead of being critical, offer to help (Matt. 7:1-4).

6. Never, never blame others for your own failures. Every individual can be faithful to God in spite of the bad examples and discouraging attitudes of others, if he is determined to be (I Cor. 10:13).

7. Remind yourself every day that the only way you can improve the world or the church is to begin with self (I Peter 3:1-7).

8. Consciously look for the good in every brother or sister, and make a mental note of the good points each possesses (Matt. 22:39).

9. Constantly strive to increase your circle of associates in the church. Do something good for each one (Heb. 10:24).

10. Every church has problems. Constantly ask yourself, "Am I a part of the problem, or am I a part of the solution? (Gal. 6:1).

A. Article: Know The Value Of A Christian Personality.

Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.

Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown but only 14 to smile.

Call people by name. The sweetest music to anyone’s ears is the sound of their own name.

Be friendly and helpful. If you would have a friend, be one.

Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure.

Be interested in people. You can like everybody if you try.

Be generous with praise, but always be cautious with criticism.

Be considerate of the feelings of others. It will be appreciated.

Be thoughtful of the opinions of others. You’re not right 100% of the time.

Be alert to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others.

B. Pray sincerely for God’s help in being the best Christian we can be (Jas. 4:2).