Once in a while, you hear people speaking about “positive Christianity.” The concept itself can be both good and bad, depending on what is meant when it is referenced.

There is an old saying that suggests that we should, “accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.”  One of the cons of the “positive Christianity” concept is that it often is meant to say that we should avoid anything that is deemed negative, and then it is applied to whatever the presenter of the view thinks is negative.  Things such as rebuking others, exposing false doctrines and/or teachers, and passing judgment are all things that must be avoided.  Refraining from these kinds of things becomes a part of eliminating the negative.

The problem is the Bible commands us to do things that the “positive Christianity” advocate tells us to eliminate.  Rebuking one who sins against us is a divine directive (Luke 17:3).  We are also commanded to expose error (Ephesians 5:11).  We are even told by Jesus to judge others, only we are not to do so according to appearances (John 7:24).

Whenever a theory contradicts the Bible, no matter how positive it might sound, it must be rejected.  Such is the case with the “positive Christianity” philosophy, at least when it is meant to eliminate the negative.

Are there any pros in emphasizing “positive Christianity?”  Of course, as long as the right thing is meant.  Viewing Christianity as something positive is what we all should do.  As Christians, we are blessed by the benefits of the gospel every day.  Being a Christian is far better than not being one.  In Christ, we have access to all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3) and that is definitely something positive.  As a preacher, I have a responsibility to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ that are gained by those who obey the gospel.  Paul, one who certainly did not shy away from rebuking those who needed rebuking, often wrote of the riches of Christ.

Ephesians 3:8–9 (ESV)
⁸ To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, ⁹ and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,

Redemption, reconciliation, salvation, mercy, grace, and the love of God are all subjects that are beaming with positivity, and they are just a few of the many positive things associated with Christianity.  Preaching that centers only on negative things, such as eternal damnation, and that is constantly filled with warnings and rebukes, all while excluding the wonderful blessings of being children of God, is just as bad and damaging as preaching nothing but positive things.  As Christians, we need to be reminded how blessed we are in Christ from time to time.  We need to fill our minds with thoughts of our future glorious home in heaven.  Paul reminds us to make sure to put on the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17),

As Christians, we have so many reasons to be positive, and to have a positive outlook on our lives now, as well as the life that is to come, but we must not eliminate the negative.  As Solomon once said, “There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”  There is no reason to eliminate the negative or the positive things we read about in the Bible.  The key is not to eliminate either one, but to have a balanced approach to both.               

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.