The trap of negativity can catch any of us. A fellow pastor was at a large gathering I was attending, and he gave a message “What is in the Air Makes a Difference.” The statement summarized that we can bring love, joy, and happiness into a room or gloom, despair, and negativity.
I believe we have all observed the difference each attitude affects us. A friend is the director of a children’s orphanage in Central America, and each time she walks into a room, she brings the love of Jesus joy and happiness. I believe all of us, given a choice, want to be around people that fill the air with joy and not despair.
Ten Negative People Affected a Nation
Moses sent twelve spies into the promised land. Ten spies saw a wonderful land but a people they felt they could not conquer, so they complained. Numbers 14:26 Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 27 “How long must I put up with this wicked community and its complaints about me? Yes, I have heard the complaints the Israelites are making against me. [1]
Because the people believed the negative report, they would suffer the consequences of wandering in the desert for forty years. The other two spies, Joshua and Caleb, saw the same land, but they trusted the Lord would be with them. Because of their faith, Joshua and Caleb would be incredibly blessed and avoid the trap of negativity.
Focus on Good Things
With God’s daily strength, we can speak positive words to those around us. At first, it may seem mechanical to change how we talk to bring joy and love into a room instead of negativity. If you enjoy listening to music, focus on uplifting and joyful music. Whether it is music or other media, focusing on what is positive and uplifting that builds you up.
The Lord gave the Apostle Paul insight into the power of focusing on positive things. Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.[2] With God’s help, you, too, can take Paul’s advice and be transformed by what you put into your mind.
To learn more about the trap of negativity, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-wandering
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Nu 14:26–27). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Php 4:8). Tyndale House Publishers.