Negativity of over-positivity

Liba Hopeson *

At first glance, you may wonder about the meaning of the article’s title and what the writer intends to convey. Just as even healthy food can harm us if consumed in excess, a positive mindset – though widely encouraged – can also have unintended consequences.

We are often taught to maintain optimism in all circumstances, but an important question arises: Is it possible to be positive in a wrong way ? Can excessive positivity negatively impact our faith and daily lives ? In this article, I intend to propagate that an overabundance of positivity can sometimes become detrimental rather than beneficial.

Below are the aspects of excessive positivity that I believe can have negative consequences:

1. All things unfold by God’s will : The Bible assures us that all things work together for the good of those who love God (Rom. 8:28). It teaches us to give thanks in every circumstance and to rejoice always. However, these truths can sometimes lead us to adopt an overly optimistic mindset – one that misapplies Scripture.

When evil occurs within our Churches and organizations, we may mistakenly invoke God’s name, claiming that such events align with His will. While it is true that God can redeem even the darkest situations for good, this does not mean that the evil itself is good, nor does it justify the act of wrongdoing.

Scripture consistently portrays God’s displeasure toward wickedness. God was grieved by human corruption before the flood (Gen. 6:5-6). The Prophets repeatedly expressed God’s anger against sin. Jesus Himself was angered by hypocrisy and injustice, as demonstrated when He cleansed the temple. Likewise, Paul warns believers to “hate what is evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9).

While we are called to rejoice always (1 Thess. 5:16) and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18), this refers to trusting God’s sovereignty rather than celebrating wrong doing. We should grieve over sin.

What is truly startling is that in many institutions and organizations, exposing corruption or unethical politics often leads to being labeled as someone who lacks the fear of God.

In reality, however, turning a blind eye to wrongdoing – remaining indifferent to evil when it unfolds before you – is the true sign of a heart that does not fear God. For to fear God is to hate evil (Prov. 8:13). Do not be overly positive in assuming or asserting that everything unfolds according to God’s will. God is holy.

2. Let them criticize; it’s perfectly fine: Many people fail because they live without firm principles, constantly listening to others’ critiques and allowing themselves to be easily swayed. However, there are times when we fail to grow because we hear criticism but dismiss it completely; ignoring the value it may hold.

At times, we face criticism because we are genuinely in the wrong. By listening to criticism – though not all – we can recognize our mistakes and grow. However, we sometimes misunderstand positive thinking and develop the wrong attitude, believing that we should ignore criticism altogether.

There are three common statements often embraced as part of a positive mindset, yet they can be misleading if taken uncritically:

“If we are good, we will always face criticism,: No one is perfect, so it’s fine – I don’t care,” and “It is in human nature to face criticism.”

While these statements contain element of truth, relying on them unquestioningly can foster complacency rather than positivity. Ignoring constructive criticism under the guise of optimism can hinder personal growth. Too often, we fail to develop simply because we refuse to engage with criticism.

3. Sharing Only Positivity in the Church: You might wonder what could be wrong with sharing only positive things in the church, but as I unpack this idea, you’ll come to understand. Some pastors are highly motivational, deeply loved by their congregation, yet they never preach the true Gospel. They shy away from the cross of Christ and the call for His followers to carry their own.

But without the cross of Christ, there can be no genuine transformation. Instead of leading people to surrender and renewal, they focus solely on improving their lives in a worldly sense. They opine that because people already suffer, it is unwise to speak of suffering.

Yet in their relentless pursuit of positivity, their message becomes its own kind of harm – too focused on making people feel good, too soft to bring real change. Indeed, they devote themselves to making their listeners ‘feel good’.

Certain pastors hesitate to address unethical businesses, and dishonest ways of earning money, fearing that doing so might reduce the church’s financial support. They worry that if they rebuke those engaged in such practices, these individuals will stop giving.

As a result, they choose to offer only praise and appreciation, even when it is undeserved. While acknowledging good deeds is commendable, turning a blind eye under the guise of positivity is harmful. Such complacency does not build the church – it corrupts and decays. “Change begins from within.”

4. Don’t ask questions, have simple faith: Many Christians mistakenly believe that asking questions is contrary to faith. They equate faith with positivity and view those who ask questions as negative or doubtful. During my theological studies, I frequently asked questions, only to be told, “Don’t question – just have simple faith.”

However, this mindset is misguided. True faith is not the absence of questions but the pursuit of deeper understanding. Faith seeks understanding, and asking questions is a means of deepening belief, not opposing it.

Even biblical figures like Abraham and Habak-kuk and others questioned God while remaining faithful. Jesus Himself encou- raged inquiry, asking His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15), showing that questions can lead to deeper faith.

Many struggle to articulate the reasons for their faith due to a lack of critical thinking and the failure to ask the right questions. The Bible teaches that faith comes from hearing the Word of God, but true understanding requires thoughtful engagement.

To grasp the Scripture well, we must read with a spirit of inquiry. Unfortunately, many – certain preachers included – adopt a misguided approach, believing that faith means accepting without question rather than seeking deeper comprehension.

5. He is truly remarkable; you just haven’t come to know him well: There are people we admire and look up to, and learning from them is both natural and beneficial. However, some individuals, after gaining deep knowledge from a particular person and develo- ping profound admiration, begin to speak of them only in glowing terms, praising them excessively.

In essence, they become captiva- ted – even brainwashed – by that leader. Whenever others offer criticism, they fiercely defend him, often insisting that the critics simply fail to understand.

This kind of unquestioning devotion is reminiscent of philosophy students who have been indoctrinated by their mentor, unable to think beyond the boundaries set for them. Unfortunately, such idolization is not limited to academia; it is also present in Christian ministries, movements, circles, and theological seminaries.

While learning from one another is valuable and enriching, blindly elevating a teacher or mentor to an infallible status is unhealthy and dangerous. If you refuse to acknowledge any faults in the person you admire, your so-called positivity becomes a negative force.

Idolizing anyone displeases God, and it does not truly help the person being idolized either. There must be a balance. Do not let your admiration turn into blind devotion – let wisdom, not obsession, shape your respect for others.