73. Don't be negative

Twelve scouts were sent out to spy out the Promised Land. Ten of them returned with a devastating report. They were convinced that they will all die if they decide to take on the 'giants' in the Promised Land. And they shared their convictions with all the other Israelites and started to spread this negative report. The Israelites immediately believed them. Remember, it was merely an opinion that the ten scouts gave, it was certainly not facts especially with God around, but the people took it as the truth and started to wail and cry.

"Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as slaves! Let's get out of here and return to Egypt!" Numbers 14:3

They were devastated and didn't rationally think about this report. Worse yet, they didn't even want to listen to the two scouts who gave positive feedback! They were so consumed with the negativity going on around them. Joshua and Caleb tried to reason with them:

"Do not rebel against the Lord, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. They are helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Do not be afraid of them!" Numbers 14:9

But the Israelites were too emotional and didn't think clearly, they lost perspective and even started talking about stoning Caleb and Joshua! They totally lost all faith that they had in the Lord. They were a mass of negativity.

It must have been so difficult for Joshua and Caleb to stand up to them and try to give them a different perspective. They were truly very brave men, standing up against an angry mob of two million!

Now today we might be required to stand up for what is right too, no matter how unpopular. And to be effective, make sure that you are standing up for what God has placed in your heart and that you do have all the facts. It can be a very difficult task, but take heart, God rewarded both Joshua and Caleb for standing up.

Also another point is that we can find ourselves in a situation where we are surrounded by negativity and we are keen on joining in. The negativity can be based on facts and we are inclined to agree, for example South Africa at the moment. There is rampant crime, discrimination, strikes, violence and corruption at the order of the day. We cannot deny it; it is negative and unfortunately true. But it is not going to help to go into a frantic negative frenzy about it. It is tempting to moan along with all our fellow citizens, but it is not going to change anything. I am not saying we should ignore what is going on and pretend that all is well. I am merely saying that we have better uses for our energy. We should rather pray for our country and our government, we should reach out and help the poor alongside with our churches as far as we can, we can try and make a difference by portraying God's standards to others etcetera. God has placed us here for a reason and He will also tell us to move on when our job here is done. It does not help to moan, it didn't bring the Israelites anywhere and it will not bring us anywhere. Rather focus on God and give the problem over to Him and ask Him for His guidance in your life.

Father please help us to stand up for what is right and not to join the masses in moaning and complaining. It is so easy to be negative and so difficult to be positive about Your future for us. Please forgive us our sin and lead us unto Your ways. In Jesus Name. Amen

1 comment for “73. Don't be negative”

  1. Gravatar of HenriHenri
    Posted Saturday, 18 January 2014 at 6:47:48 AM

    So true! We need to keep our eyes on God alone especially in the coming months with all the negativity that will be generated in this election period.

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