optimism

How do we balance the good and bad that occurs every day in the world and in each of our lives? On the one hand, there are many reasons to rejoice. We live in a country of great freedom and where countless positive things take place. Philanthropy and acts of compassion, good intentions and helpful ideas, nice people and wonderful relationships–these and many other examples show that God is indeed still active in this world.

On the other hand, it is all too obvious that many things are not what they might be. Racism, agendas driven by political correctness instead of truth, misrepresentations, lying, cheating, unfaithfulness, and unkindness–there are countless demonstrations of these things all around us.

So, how should we react to such a world? Should we become activists against whatever is around us? Cynics who decry all things unfair? Those who spend all of our time opposing inequity? Well, at some level, I think such stances are appropriate, for there is much darkness to overcome. Injustice must be highlighted and stood against. Evil has to be pointed out and rejected.

But I do not think that we can afford to be only or primarily negative. Indeed, to merely oppose that which is bad does not provide us with an alternative to the bad. We can’t merely say, “Don’t mislead others.” We must also stand for something. We must stand up for truth telling. “Tell the truth, and lead others in a helpful direction.” The negative must be balanced with the positive. In fact the best way to drive out darkness is by shining a light. And isn’t this, above everything else, what we must represent?

Jesus said it this way:

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

Somehow, we must seek a proper balance. On the one hand, there are plenty of things to decry, and there is much to overcome. Because we live in a fallen world, there will always be corruption, and we will all inevitably experience pain and unfairness. Within such an environment, we will sometimes cry, as will others.

Still, the future is bright. That future often extends through many a tomorrow and always leads into forever. This is why, despite the consistent negativity, I think it is right to favor a type of settled (but realistic) optimism. The optimistic is more central or more foundational than the negative, for it is real and will last into eternity. Though it is often hard to imagine, the bad will ultimately be defeated and good will reign. Even our own human ineptitude will be wiped away and we will become renewed humans, functioning as originally designed.

Many things ought to anger us. There are individuals and ideas and agendas that demand our opposition. We simply must express our frustration with unfairness and do what we can to overcome it. But we do all these things, I hope, with, well, with a sense of hope. This world will never be perfect, but individuals do change for the better every day. Relationships can be healed and sustained. And in time (or was that eternity?), we will become what we were meant to be. So there is optimism–a reasoned, intelligent, sensible, yet sometimes tearful optimism.

But what is the basis for this perspective? Well, there are inspiring stories from our own history, and there is a kind of patriotic commitment that, at least for many Americans, helps us to live in this optimistic fashion. But even our patriotism requires undergirding. How, then, can we work our way through the sadness and the heartache? How can we, with tears too often flowing from our eyes, look at the world optimistically? The answer, I think, is faith.

What allows joy to transcend sadness? Faith. What protects and shields us through times of difficulty? Faith. What enables us to approach life with joy and passion? Faith. Jesus’ words are our guide: “Be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Genuine (not make-believe) optimism flows from faith. “Increase ours, Lord.”