Post by Lynnette Easter
The year is almost over, so that means people will be clearing out their friends lists on social media and contacts in their phones. Have you made an effort to remove the toxic people?
Toxic people assert themselves, their opinions and knowledge on you. Their impact is unforgettable. You know how they operate–always eager to freely will their services upon you…
Those of us who have had this type of person in our life have experienced firsthand being catapulted into their world of negativity, comparison and manipulation. These are not isolated attributes they possess; however, these attributes capture you hook, line and sinker. When a toxic person disperses their toxic seeds to you, then they take root and permeate in your mind, heart and soul. You are now left with a life which consists of acquired additional residue that needs removal. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.’ Galatians 5:9
A toxic person feels compelled to break you down
Why? They need to bring you into their world of hurt and misery. One of the ways they do so is by enlightening you with everything they believe is wrong with you *Seed of Negativity Planted* Then, they proceed to tell you how you should live your life *Seed of Manipulation Planted* Afterwards, they present to you their way of life along with directives of how you must go about handling yours*Seed of Comparison Planted* “From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.” Proverbs 18:20
The power of the tongue
Each individual that obtains access into your life brings with them either ‘words of life or words of death’. As a Christian, we are to reflect Jesus Christ; the individuals that you surround yourself with are a reflection of you. So, it would behoove you to be cognizant of the individuals you choose to gain entryway into your life.
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Proverbs 18:15
If those around you do not know who they are in Christ, then they will not point you to Christ. Carefully vet people before granting them access into your life, your life is not a smorgasbord. Before opening up your life to anyone, pray and ask God to show you whether that person belongs there or not. Let us take it a step further, those individuals who are currently in our lives, ask God to reveal who remains and who must vacate the premises. He will do it.
Protect yourself at all costs
Most importantly, you must know for yourself who you are in Jesus. Understanding your value in Christ enables you to consistently gauge everyone you interact with and surround yourself with on a daily basis. The key to this process is choosing to believe everything that God says about you, which are penned so eloquently in the Bible. The words of the Lord are to be utilized as the determining factor when deciding who will and will not have access to your life.
You are moving forward in life and gaining momentum, never allow anyone’s words to strip that away from you or set you back.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” Hebrews 12:1
How do you identify toxic people in your life? What did you do about it?
