Avoiding “Viruses”
Have you ever been in a confined place with someone who was coughing or sneezing without concern about others around them? This happens frequently in elevators, waiting rooms, lobbies, offices, on airplanes, and in a variety of other environments. What do you feel when this happens? What is your instinctive reaction?
If you're like me, and I suspect you are, you feel uncomfortable. You want to distance yourself from the germs that are being projected into your world. While you may have compassion on the suffering person, you don't want to catch whatever it is that they have. You go into protective mode. You may politely and carefully withdraw a bit from the person. You probably hold your breath for a moment or two. And you likely look forward to removing yourself from the environment as soon as possible. These things are important and wise to do.
Let's apply the same wisdom to another area of life. As surely as physical viruses can be caught from others, bad attitudes can be caught too. The Bible teaches us that bad attitudes are contagious:
Don't hang out with angry people; don't keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious –– don't get infected. — Proverbs 22:24-25 (MSG)
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NAS)
The next time you're around someone who is “coughing and sneezing” bad attitudes; negativity, gossip, anger, fear, worry, and any other spiritual and emotional virus:
Don't let someone else's spiritual and emotional germs get into your system. Avoid infection!
Dale O'Shields
For more information, visit the Church of the Redeemer's website.
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Positive changes happen in us when we know, believe, confess and obey God’s Word. When we agree with what God says about us, our minds are renewed, and our choices and habits improve. In this new book from Pastor Dale O'Shields, you will find 25 biblically-based affirmations that will help you think right about God, yourself, others and the world.