If we choose to spend our time focusing upon the problems with our government, the wars across the world, the quickly declining morals in our society, and other problems, we will gradually become more and more cynical. We’ll feel like we’re always on the defensive, and we need to attack back at a world gone haywire. We’ll start to live life in fear and worry, and our lives will feel more and more miserable...and misery spreads.
However, if we choose to spend our time focusing upon the fact that God has overcome the world (John 16:33), that God is making all things new (Revelation 21:5) and He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), we will recognize that the battle is already won. We don’t have to be on the defensive. We’ll start to live life in hope and gladness, and our lives will be more characterized by joy...and joy is contagious!
Not that we should completely ignore either truth, but which of these ways would you prefer to live most of your life? Which of these ways sounds more like the way Jesus lived?