TWO WAYS TO LOOK AT LIFE
There are two ways to look at life. One way is to be an “if only” person who is always talking about if only things had been different, they would be different. The other way is the “nevertheless” person who takes any situation and, nevertheless, asks God to help them.
The “if only” person is very negative. He always has an excuse for why he failed or why he didn’t accomplish some task. He begins the sentence with “if only,” and then comes the excuse.
I have heard some people say, “If only I had more God-given talent, I could accomplish more in life.” Talents were not intended to be evenly distributed. We are expected to use the talents God gives us. Read Matthew 25:15-29.
I have heard people say, “If only my parents had been like your parents, I could have turned out better.” You don’t get to choose your parents, but you can choose how you live in that situation.
I have heard people say, “If only I had known the right people, I could have gotten a better job.” Knowing the right people might help, but it is not essential to success.
On the other hand, I have seen people face an impossible situation and say, “It is a tough situation, nevertheless, I know that God has a plan for me in this situation. I can learn from it.” The “nevertheless” person quotes Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that God has for me …”
I have been with families who lost a child or a family member due to some illness or accident. I have heard people say, “This is the toughest thing I have ever faced, nevertheless, I know that God will supply my every need.” “Nevertheless” people quote Ephesians 3:20, “He is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think…”
I have been with people who have been mistreated or betrayed by a good friend who cheated them or killed a precious family member through murder or a senseless accident. They have every human right to be bitter and unforgiving. “Nevertheless” people quote Ephesians 4:32, “… forgive each other as God has forgiven you.”
The best example of a “nevertheless” person is Jesus. The night before He went to the cross, He prayed for a different plan, but then said, “Nevertheless, not My will but Your will be done.” (Matthew 26:39) That’s the secret to the best life possible!
Developing an “if only” lifestyle or a “nevertheless” lifestyle is a decision every person makes. The determining factor is not circumstances, tough situations, mistreatment, or bad luck. The determining factor is the attitude that you choose.
“If only” people are miserable and make everybody else miserable. “Nevertheless” people create a climate of humility, trust, joy, and hope. I have heard my dad say, “Some people cause happiness wherever they go—others, whenever they go.” My friend, Derrick Johnson, says, “Some people are like clouds. Once they disappear, it’s a beautiful day.”
Are you an “if only” person or a “nevertheless” person?
