Detoxing from toxicity

So, yesterday I spoke about being hit by ‘toxic rocks’ that may well have shaped your outlook and approach to life, and I suggested that you might be interested in taking a toxic test to determine whether or not you actually have toxic residue clinging to you like cologne. I would make the case that many of the negative words that have been spoken over us throughout the course of our lives, have left us extremely vulnerable to a build up of toxicity. While the old school yard taunt implied that sticks and stones (which can break your bones) are more deadly than words (since they can never harm you), I beg to differ. The Scriptures tell us that death and life are in the power of the tongue and so words carry tremendous creative and shaping force. While sticks and stones can break your bones, words can destroy your entire life and purpose.

So how do you know if you’re toxic? Just take the following quick, unscientific survey, and mark a yes or a no for each one of these statements with regard to how accurately they describe you. If you can answer yes to any of them… well, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but you’re toxic.

• Toxic people keep a detailed list of wrongs done to them
• Toxic people are extremely mistrusting, and pollute relationships
• Toxic people justify their pollution by trying to get others to accept that they have valid reasons for being the way they are
• Toxic people have a tendency to be overly critical
• Toxic people secretly celebrate the misfortunes of othersToxic people form judgments and opinions about whole groups of people based on their experiences with one person

So how did you do on the test? Yeah I know, and I’m sympathetic ‘cos I discovered the same thing when I took the test. I wanted to give you some real world examples of toxic rocks that are destroying a whole generation of people, as well as whole nations, but that would require an entire post so I guess I’ll just wait until tomorrow. Meanwhile, I’ll give you a few sure-fire ways to get rid of the toxicity in your life.

• Keep your eyes fixed squarely in Jesus (Hebrews 12: 1-4)
• Stay humble and gentle (Ephesians 4: 2)
• Don’t let the sun set on your anger (Ephesians 4: 26)
• Get rid of all bitterness by choosing to forgive (Ephesians 4: 31) Remember that forgiveness is not a feeling but a choice.

Well, I’ll let you go so you can begin to work on detoxing. See you tomorrow.