Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV)

It’s interesting the words you retain from childhood. I have a very clear memory of sitting at the counter in our family’s kitchen. I was talking to my mother as she prepared a meal. I don’t even remember the context of the conversation, but I remember my mother saying with some exasperation, “Tommy, you’re such a pessimist!”

I remember it because I had to figure out what a pessimist was. I also remember it because it is the only memory I have of my mother being so forthrightly critical of me.

And, she was right.

Whenever my pessimism comes up in conversation, the most common response is surprise. People don’t see my pessimism, and that makes me happy because it’s something I have worked hard to address. And, to be honest, my faith has had a lot to do with that. If I really believe what I say I believe, and I do, then I have every reason to be optimistic no matter my circumstances.

Attitude is a choice.

It was Paul himself who first shared about Jesus and His message in the Roman city of Philippi. The local gathering of Jesus’ followers were Paul’s dear friends and his spiritual children. He’d lived among them, taught them, and I can feel his concern for them in his letter. It has a very loving, paternal feel to it.

Paul wrote to his friends during a period of Roman persecution against Jesus’ followers. Paul writes while being under house arrest. His letter was prompted by his friends in Philippi who’d sent a monetary gift to help with his financial needs while incarcerated in Rome. And, Philippi was a very Roman city. Many Roman military men retired there with their families. The threat of persecution was very real for the believers there. I find it interesting that Paul focuses on their attitudes.

Attitude is a choice.

It is a dark time, and Paul’s stated desire is for the Philippian believers to “shine like stars” among their Roman neighbors in a “warped” and “crooked” culture. What do they need to do to “shine?”

Don’t grumble. Don’t complain. Don’t argue. Don’t be a pessimist.

Instead, be humble. Be loving. Be considerate. Be content. Be glad.

Attitude is a choice.

I still struggle with my pessimism. You can ask Wendy who sees it more than anyone else. That said, I don’t have to be a slave to it. Jesus said that I’m to be light in a dark world. Brooding in pessimism and complaining about every person who annoys me and every circumstance that irritates me is a great way to snuff out my light.

I don’t know what this day holds, but I choose to be optimistic.

If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.