Romans 16:19
...but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
In a world that often seems filled with negativity and bombards us with bad news from every angle on the media, it is easy to become tunnel-visioned and lose sight of the goodness surrounding us. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to focus on what is good, noble, and praiseworthy.
Paul
writes in Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such
things.” This powerful passage puts life into perspective.
First, let us consider what it means to focus on what is
good. It does not mean ignoring the problems and challenges we face or
pretending that everything is perfect when it is not. Instead, focusing on the
good means choosing to see God's hand at work in every situation, trusting that
He is in control and that He is working all things together for our good.
This focus on the good is not just about our external circumstances,
but also about our internal attitudes. It means cultivating a heart of
gratitude, even amid trials. It means choosing joy over despair, hope over
fear, and love over hate. It means seeing the beauty in the mundane, the
extraordinary in the ordinary, and the hand of God in everything.
Second, focusing on what is good requires a deliberate and
conscious effort. Our natural tendency is often to dwell on the negative, to
worry about the future, or to hold on to past hurts. But Paul encourages us to
train our minds to dwell on the good. This is not a passive process, but an
active one. It involves daily surrendering our thoughts to God, asking Him to
renew our minds and align our thinking with His.
Finally, focusing on what is good has a profound impact on
our lives. When we focus on the good, we experience a greater sense of peace
and contentment. We become more resilient in the face of adversity. We are more
likely to see opportunities instead of obstacles, blessings instead of burdens.
And we reflect the love and goodness of God to those around us.
So, how do we practically apply this in our lives? Start
each day by thanking God for His goodness. Make a list of things you are
grateful for. When faced with challenges, ask God to help you see His hand at
work. Surround yourself with positive influences—people who encourage you,
scriptures that uplift you, and songs that inspire you. And spend time in God's
presence, allowing His Spirit to fill you with His peace and joy.
In conclusion, focusing on what is good is not about
ignoring reality, we must use wisdom and be wise as serpents for there are indeed wolves out there (Matthew 10:16) but we need to see reality through the lens of God's truth. It
is about recognising God's hand at work in our lives and choosing to dwell on
His goodness and love. It is a challenging task, but with God's help, we can
cultivate a mindset that focuses on the good and reflects His love for the
world.
May God help us focus on what is good, to cultivate a heart of gratitude, and to reflect His love and goodness in all that we do. And may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of a mind focused on the good. God bless you all.