One of the greatest tools of destruction in a Christian's life is a negative spirit. Whether it is your own spirit or the spirit of those around you, negativity can halt what God is doing in our life quicker than anything. It is for this reason that we need to guard ourselves against this destructive spirit. We are tempted to say easier said than done, but God gives us the answer right in His word: Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Essentially what Paul is saying is surround ourselves with that which is good, that which is positive. It begins with daily time in the word of God. There is no greater source of good since God is Good (Ps. 73:1). It next moves to our mindset. We need to determine that we are not going to focus on the negative. This will take some effort because our sinful nature likes to focus on the negative. Finally remove negativity from around you. If you are surrounded daily by friends constantly focused on the negative, it may be time to find some new friends.
There is so much negative happening in the world around us. If we are not careful, we can easily be drawn right in. Remember for the believer we have so much more that we can focus on. As many have said through the years "God is good all the time, all the time Good is good". Let's defeat this spirit of negativity by putting Paul's exhortation from Philippians 4:8 into action. Until next time, may God bless you as you seek and serve Him.
