Check Your Negativity

Negativity is like a disease. It can spread. Those who are carriers for the disease can unwittingly transmit the virus and not even realize that they have passed it on. They themselves may not recognize the symptoms of their own disease though they are carrying it and transfusing it into those around them. Perhaps they may be unknowingly toting it around like a badge calling it “realism”, leaving others drenched with discouragement in their wake. Some may be breathing it into others through a humid cloud called “venting”, voicing their dislikes, discontent, or how they believe things should be. Still others may be wearing negativity like a cloak, bent-over with the weight of their shroud, unnecessarily leaning on and weighing down others.

No matter the origin or the source of negativity or how it is manifesting or spreading itself, it can be pervasive and squelch every good thing within its reach. It can act as a gateway to all kinds of sin: the stirring up of dissension, unkindness, unforgiveness, malice, envy, strife, jealously…things which set themselves up against Christ. So, instead of lingering in the crippling grasp of negativity and risking the spread of it to friends, family, co-workers and more, we must instead allow the Holy Spirit to make a shift, a change to the way we think (Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:1,2); allow Him to breathe hope into our words and actions, so much so that it overflows to others (Romans 15:13); we must allow Him to use our attitudes and intentions to glorify God (Romans 15:5,6).  Consider the following as a cure for negativity:

Let us, “…Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above [ourselves].  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep [our] spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  [Let us] be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  Romans 12: 9-12  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,…”  Hebrews 10:23,24

Today, check your negativity meter. Give it an honest reading. If it is active, recalibrate. Let’s not drag others or ourselves down, but let’s lift them and ourselves up in Christ.        

–Katie Botello