The Limitation of Optimism
No one is righteous-not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one. (Romans 3:10-12)
Throughout my adult life, I’ve read self-help books and articles. It didn’t take long for me to read the genre with a critical eye. Writings on optimism always raise my left eyebrow. I have always had a love/hate relationship with the concept of optimism. Just because you put your best foot forward doesn’t mean everyone else will feel optimistic toward you. Optimism often comes across as a first-world issue for those with privilege.
If you were a Venezuelan single parent crossing the northern edge of South America, then to Mexico with two small children because your children are starving, optimism would be in short supply. The phrase, “All you need is optimism,” rings a little hollow. From a theological perspective, simplistic optimism is challenged by the concept of human sinfulness. Romans 3:10-12 proclaims, “No one is righteous-not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” It is our corporate sinfulness that creates an imperfect world.
Optimism and human sin are in constant tension within the individual heart and worldwide. If optimism could change the world, optimism would have the power to quench sin. However, even if everyone around the globe recognized the blessing of optimism, the world would remain a place of corruption and injustice. Self-help optimism is a false messiah. The only path through the reality of sin is with the grace, mercy, and justice of our Triune God. God is the only One with the means and commitment to address the reality of sin and bring us divine hope and renewal.
There is nothing wrong with optimism until we turn it into a false idol. Sin and injustice may appear insurmountable, but God makes all things possible. Optimism can only occur when one places their trust in God. Being nice is not enough. Relying on God is our only hope, personally and as a global society. Offer your life to God, and you can bring eternal optimism to a world in desperate need of divine care and healing.