Saturday, March 7, 2015

Day 16 of My Lenten Journey

16.  Negativity

In general, I am typically a "glass is half full" type of person.  However, I a definitely not a Pollyanna all the time.  There is definitely room for growth and places where I need to rid myself of negativity.

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violent intentions. Proverbs 10:11

Due to the fall of man, we have a tendency to lean toward the negative side.  I definitely didn't teach my kids to be negative, but it has come naturally in some situations.  Many times we tend to believe the worst or not have confidence in something or someone.  But, we have a chance to choose our attitude in all situations.

James 3 talks about how words of negativity, can corrupt the whole body.  In one moment we use our words to praise God, but then curse man.  His analogy is "can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?"   We must choose whether we speak positivity or negativity.

Negativity reflects what is going on inside a person.  If you want to know what is in your heart, listen to what is coming out of your mouth.  

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.  Matthew 12:33

Negativity breeds negativity.  Ever heard, "birds of a feather flock together?'  Hang around negative people and you too will sway that way.  Instead, fill your circle of friends with people who see the glass half full.

He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.  Proverbs 13:20

And in the end, always go back to what Mrs. Rabbit said to Thumper in the movie, Bambi.   "If you can't say anything nice (or that is constructive), don't say anything at all."  Know when to hold your tongue and when your words would be constructive instead.  Look for the best in people and stay away from the negativity and toxic.  And, always look on the bright side of life!



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