There is something that’s been troubling me for some time. And it seems to be popping up everywhere–books, hollywood, even in some churches.

It’s the idea that if you think positive thoughts, good things will happen to you. This idea leads me to think of some people I know and one important question:

My cousin Ronnie who was bitten by a mosquito 14 years ago and has never fully recovered from the encephalitis he contracted; His dad who has recently been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and my aunt Chris who is giving all her physical and emotional energy and more to take care of them;

A pregnant friend who went to the doctor a couple weeks ago when she stopped feeling the baby’s movement at 39 weeks, only to find out the baby had died in her womb;

The preschool children of friends of ours whose parents are in the middle of a painful divorce.

My dad who walks with a brace on his leg because the nerves in that leg haven’t worked since his surgery several years ago.

Would their circumstances be different if they had thought positive thoughts?

This theory completely diminishes God’s role in life, and even goes so far as to deny His existence. Yes, attitude is important. The Bible says “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” and “Do everything without complaining or arguing“, just to name a couple of examples.

But to say that a person’s thoughts bring about good or bad circumstances is just not true. This puts way too much power and control in the hands of people and our minds. And it doesn’t answer the question of why good, nice, even joyful people suffer.

Take Jesus Christ as an example. He is the ultimate case of a perfect person suffering unthinkable shame and torture while on earth. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12). The irony is that Jesus actually could have changed His circumstances at any time. He had the power to do so, being God. But He had eternity in mind. He knew that on the other side of His suffering was heaven. 

Same with us. Life on earth is temporary. If life on earth is represented by a speck of dust, then eternity would be the living room in which it’s found. There’s no comparison time-wise.

What is infinitely more important than wishing for a comfortable life on earth is being sure of our eternity. Every single person will spend eternity in one of two (real) places–heaven or hell. And the only way to be sure of our destination is in how we respond Jesus. Do I believe that He is God? Do I believe that His death on the cross completely paid for my sin, therefore allowing me into heaven?

The only reason Jesus became a man and suffered and died on a cross is so that He could reconcile people to God. Amazing love. If we ignore this and continue to live like there is no eternity, we will find ourselves in hell forever, with no option of turning back. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 4:7)