Glass Half Full Theology

By Dr. Ron Jones

The self-help section of the local bookstore is the first place many people go when they need to change their outlook on life. There is no shortage of motivational speakers and authors who pump out books, podcasts and conferences designed to help people live positive in a negative world. On the list of best-sellers you'll find The Power of Positive Thinking, See You at the Top, Think and Grow Rich, Possibility Thinking and many others.

However, I love the New Testament book of Philippians. Penned by the great apostle Paul from a Roman prison cell, the letter drips with positive encouragement. Some people in life see the proverbial glass as half empty. Not Paul. He was a ‘glass half full’ kind of guy. Even in prison he remained positive through and through.

Biblical content is what separates Philippians from all the pabulum on the self-help shelves. This book is inspired by none other than the Holy Spirit of God who guarantees the transformation of your life and attitude if you put the truth into practice. One Bible scholar says, "Philippians is a Christian psychology book, based solidly on Bible doctrine. It is not a shallow self-help book that tells the reader how to convince himself that 'everything is going to turn out all right.'"

If you need to get rid of your gloomies today, read Philippians. Start by hiding these gems in your heart.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 1:21

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 2:4

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. 2:5-6

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! 3:1

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 3:7

But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. 3:13

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 4:4

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 4:13

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