Removing Negativity

Life is full of negativity and negative people. The line of doubters is long. There is no shortage of people who will tell you what they think you are capable of and often times it is not positive. However, it is easy to blame others, but what about the negativity we speak over our own lives? Sometimes we are our own worst critic. We can be extremely hard on ourselves––picking apart everything we don't like about ourselves. We make judgements about where we think we should be in life––whether it be in our careers, finances, or relationship status. Negativity is contagious and you can inflict negativity on others and others can inflict negativity on you. For example, you were having a good day and you get a negative call, and by the end of the call, your outlook has changed. This is what I like to call the law of the dump truck. Their negativity was transferred onto you. They feel better but you feel worst. Here are two consequences of negativity:

1. Negativity limits your growth potential.

The Bible says "with man it is impossible but with God all things are possible to him who believe(Matthew 19:26). When you have a negative mindset, your faith is limited. God cannot operate in doubt. God is moved to act on our behalf based on our faith in Him. Negativity can rob us of the many blessings God wants to bestow on us.

2. Negativity limits your relationships.

No one wants to be around a negative person. Negative people suck the air out of every room they enter. Our job as believers is to speak life and not tear people down. Remember "a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" ( Proverbs 15:1)You will find yourself not invited to events or gatherings and struggling to make genuine connections with people all because of a negative mindset and negative attitude. As you can see, negativity is clearly not God's best for our life. Negativity has an adverse impact on our relationship with God. Negativity also impacts how we relate to others. I challenge you to be the kind of person who lights up the room, and not the kind of person that dims the light. After all, Jesus said, "I am the Light of the World and we are supposed to be His reflection on the earth. Be positive, but most importantly, be purposeful. As always, stay rooted.

Verse of the Week:

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house".

Matthew 5:14-16