Negativity Attracts Negativity

"As much as 77% of everything we think is negative, counterproductive, and works against us. People who grow up in an average household hear “No,” or are told what they can’t do, more than 148,000 times by the time they reach age 18. Result: Unintentional negative programming."   -Shad Helmstetter in Homemade, Jan., 1987

Wouldn't life be so much easier if we had total control over our thinking? And, even more so where our emotions are concerned? Just consider how quickly we could forget about the people who frustrate, or anger us. Or allow our disappointments to fade into the past without any condemnation. Sounds great, doesn't it?

However, this kind of emotional composure is quite unique. Many of us spend a lot of time thinking over troublesome feelings and weighing bitterness and regrets. Sadly, many of these mental perceptions of our feelings worsen the situation. What began as a small hurt or frustration, boosted by a thought process that focuses on pain and anger, may expand into a major hang-up.

It's unfortunate that because of our fallen nature, negativity comes very naturally. Like, how we tend to believe in the worst. And, the ease in which we can talk ourselves out of something by using negativity. For example, you want to try something new, what do you start thinking? "Well that’s not going to work." "There’s not enough time." "No one's going to like it." Negativity oozes out of us like honey.

Negativity is defined as: "the expression of criticism of or pessimism about something." Below, I have also included three brief facts about negativity that I hope will get you thinking. They are as follows:

First, negativity reflects what is going on inside a person. "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). Here's a self-test for you: If you want to know the condition of your heart – listen to what's coming out of your mouth.

Next, negativity justifies itself. In other words, just because something looks right to you – doesn't necessarily mean it's right.

Of course, if you slip on rose-colored glasses everything will look pink and rosy. And, if you wear dark glasses everything will appear dark and gloomy. This illustrates that what you see is a product of your eyes. It isn't that difficult to get a distorted view of the world. It just depends on what you're looking through.

Here are some affirmations we might use to justify our emotions: “I have a right to be this way. Look at what's happened to me.” “Nobody likes me. I don't have any friends.” “You always act this way. You’re never going to change." Do these strike a chord with you?

May I ask you a simple question: "Is the glass half-empty or half-full?" Are you looking at the problems, or the possibilities? Which ever way you look at the glass you haven't changed the level of it one bit. But your perspective of it has changed. So take another look at that glass. Is it half-empty, or half-full?

Finally, negativity chooses your friends for you. Negativity always attracts negativity. This might be hard for most to accept, but if you what to know what kind of person you are; take a look at who's hanging around you. That's a real eye-opener, isn't it? Now might be an excellent time to clean house and make some changes in your life!

In closing, what's going on in your life? Are you living a life of negativity? Remember, Jesus said, “I have come to give life – and not just life – but abundant life” -John 10:10 (NET). So rise up! Stop wasting your time on negativity. Straighten up! Focus your time and energy on the positive.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8; Psalm 94:19; Philippians 4:8-9; Philippians 2:5; Hebrews 11:6

Prayer:  Lord, I can see and feel the negativity all around me every day. I pray that my heart is always focused on you, and that your love for me will provide all the positive energy I need to rise above it. Amen

May your day be blessed,

Shayna