You’ve probably been asked at some point, “Are you a glass-half-empty or glass-half-full type of person?” The other party is trying to gauge your level of optimism. How do you look at the world? Some see the problems first, while others see the opportunities. Scripture instructs that Christ-followers are to go through life as optimists. This is not a preference, but rather a command, based on what we know of ourselves and what we know of the future. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It’s one of many Scriptures that focuses on a leader’s attitude. Regardless of today’s circumstances, challenges, difficulties, crises, failures or anxieties, remember Who gave you today, and be glad for the opportunity of the day.
A key function of leadership is inspiring and uplifting those around you, so that you can influence and motivate them toward shared goals—maybe a work goal, or a personal goal, or a goal for growth or performance. Maybe you’ve heard the phrase “punching down”. To punch down is to attack, criticize or belittle someone in a lesser position than yourself. This is a common tactic in a hierarchal leadership structure. The person in charge punches down on those around them, taking advantage of position to get what they want.
The Bible tells the leader to do just the opposite. Don’t punch down—build up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 commands us, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” It’s a simple leadership principle. You’ll get far more from someone by helping them climb the mountain than by hitting them with a hammer. Optimism is the positive outlook and attitude that is accompanied by similar actions. How will optimism help you in life and leadership?
Optimism points people toward godly goals. When people pursue the positive, and pursue God, he helps them accomplish those important objectives they aspire to. Psalm 37:4-5 promises, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” An optimist leads people to understand that God wants the very best for them, and as they align their hearts and minds with God, He will lead them toward those godly desires.
Some in our culture have adopted a victim mentality. They find a cause or circumstance of which they are a victim, due to the supposed oppression of others around them. The victim cannot overcome their circumstance because they are being supposedly controlled by others. But the optimist looks at a negative circumstance as an opportunity to trust God and move forward. This is living in obedience to Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Optimistic leaders understand there is no circumstance or negative that can stand in opposition to the plans of God.
Optimism increases resolve. Optimists don’t give up easily. 2 Chronicles 15:7 reminds us, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” Optimists view setbacks not as permanent defeat, but rather as temporary situations on the way to ultimate success. It takes optimism to face a negative and then to buckle up and soldier on. Resolve is a leader’s firm determination. Sometimes the optimist succeeds simply because he does not give up, remaining strong and determined when faced with challenge.
A leader known for his resolve was British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. During the dark early days of World War II, his speeches to the British people were highlighted by defiance, a call to heroism, resolve and, surprisingly, humor. Great Britain had entered the war being pounded by the much bigger German military machine. Before they would win the war, they needed to know that they could win. It was Churchill, the optimist, who spurred his country to victory by telling them constantly that victory would come if they soldiered on positively. Echoing the teaching of 2 Chronicles 15:7, he said, “If you are going through hell, keep going.”
Optimism sees current blessings. A familiar saying is that “A pessimist sees the glass half-empty, where an optimist see the glass half-full.” The optimistic leader focuses less on what he lacks than what he has, and how he might use what is at hand to shape the future. Pastor and dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others have resigned; it enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy.”
An optimist is looking forward and looking up. But he does this while standing on the blessings of the present. It is difficult to be an optimistic leader without also being a spiritual leader. Standing on the blessings of a relationship with God, the power of His Spirit, and the forgiveness and presence of Jesus Christ, the optimist begins any challenge with his glass half-full. He can then lead others to pursue and obey God to enrich their own lives and accomplish their God-given purposes without fear or dismay. Remember God’s instructions in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
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How do you look at the world? Some see the problems first, while others see the opportunities. Scripture instructs that Christ-followers are to go through life as optimists.