thinking and being positive vs. being selfish?

Question

ok, here is something i don't understand. if we look at the theory that thinking and being positive attracts good things, isn't this a little selfish - you are just concerned about yourself and when you see something that's anything but "nice" you ignore it because you can't deal with it (it's too painful to think about the reality of it) and because you just want to attract the good into your life. so how is this being compassionate to people and yet it works, i've seen it. it works for your own happiness but that's about it. and the next question i have is, what sense of justice does the universe entail then? thanx

To Azalea, that's a great example. And yes, life is that simple once you can make everyone around you happy.

Answer 1

Very intelligent.

Answer 2

So there is no selfless good deed? I don't think it's all that complicated. I do agree with you to an extent, but I just prefer to enjoy life and I like to make people around me happy. I like it that way, so why should it be any more complex? I believe in karma, and what goes around comes around, but not just that good will come to me, but that maybe it will inspire others to not be so selfish. And I will credit my father for teaching me this. Example: my dad goes to the same gas station almost all the time, once, he gave the girl inside $5 too much and when se realized it he had left, so she gave the $5 to the girl taking over her shift and later when he came back, she gave it to him and explained. He told her to let the girl keep it for being honest. And she never forgot that, and says she tells people about that, because it is kind of unusual. I like that story. So that's maybe not the best example, but, I think that life is only complicated sometimes, because we make it that way.

Answer 3

Dear Kelly,

First i'm not sure where that theory comes from and not sure that i agree with that theory. However, i will say that we have to be honest at people and confess that we desire good things (and that's not necessarily a bad thing). i think the key is: "What do you do with the good things you receive." As a Christian i guess i would call those good things- blessings- and i try to use my blessings to bless others.

Ultimately it comes down to a person's heart. You'd like to believe that most people who are compassionate are truly doing it for the right reasons- but you really can't tell-- but everyone is personally accountable to God.

i can tell you as a Pastor who leads many outreach activities at our church: Food and clothes drives for the poor, car washes to raise funds for those that are sexually abused, etc. that as i do these things- i'm thinking about the people i'm serving and how they need to know that Jesus loves them. NOt doing it so that good comes into my life.

I think you did hit a good point that many people see the hurt around them and choose to ignore it and that's sad.

The world needs more people who are filled with compassion and love for others and willing to sacrifice and give of themselves.

Hope that helps. Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 4

We live in a self-absorbed and un realistic society which is quite sad. People should just do the right thing, simply because it is just the right thing to do, not on whether or not it makes you feel good, simply because that feeling is not reliable. (Today, I may feel like helping somebody, tomorrow I don't.) Also, I believe that if people just accept the realities in life (death, sadness, etc) in a weird way, people will be a lot happier and stress free and they won't have to take a pill to be happy.

Answer 5

Yes, I agree that being positive means being selfish at the same time. It doesn't hurt being a little bit selfish though, you just shouldn't overdo it.
I don't think the universe have any justice except human justice.

Answer 6

And on the other hand - - - - - - she had warts.