positive (+) or negative (-)?

In a recent blog, John Smulo raised the issue of being positive or negative in our focus as believers. In response, I added these words:

I think there may be a number of thing to consider when it comes to this subject.

First, the primary motivation and driving influence in our lives is unquestionably to be a positive one. It's all about grace, free gifts, God's mercy, the good news. This means, at least in my opinion, that despite the bad things we do, the stupid things we say, etc., the positive features of God's work on our behalf should remain central in our thinking. I think it was McCheyne who said one look at self and a thousand looks at Christ . . . or something to that effect.

Second, in response to the wrongs that we inevitably do, that is, the negative things we get involved in, I still think the best "treatment" for our problems is a healthy dose of God's grace. Thus, when we screw up at whatever, it is imperative that we remind ourselves that God loves us anyway. This, I would argue, is a more effective way of producing repentance and change than sitting around and focusing on our inept behaviors. It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance.

That all said, I do think we also need to balance the moral issues of the Christian life. While many, many things are subjective when it comes to holiness, at least some things are a bit more objective. It is here that we need to balance the negatives and positives. Thus, as Paul says, stop lying but tell the truth, stop stealing but give to others, etc. It's not enough to simply stop doing wrong, we must also practice doing what is right. Likewise, we must not simply talk about the right things we intend to do, we must face up to the wrongs we must avoid. Balance.

Just a few thoughts.