the law of negativity

I've noticed lately that I have been surrounded by negativity. It is all around me. But this isn't unusual...the world is full of negativity. Negative people with negative attitudes...negative posts on Facebooks...negative news reports...negative this and negative that.


The reason I've noticed this week, more than any other week, is that the negativity has started to affect my attitude. I have found myself with a bad attitude and my bad attitude makes me angry. Angry at myself for allowing the negativity all around me to infect my heart. But that's the thing about negativity...its malignant and infectious. Attitudes are contagious. And lately, my attitude is something that I would not want anyone else to catch. I haven't allowed my attitude to creep into my Facebook posts or my conversations with others, but I have allowed it to slither its way into my heart. So today, I'm forcing it out. I do not have room in my heart for a negative attitude. I will no longer allow this negativity to take up residence in my heart.


I was having a conversation with a friend this week...someone who I hold in high regard...someone who I highly respect and admire...this friend said she has allowed Micah 6:8 to be her litmus test for everything she does at work and home. I pondered this verse after our conversation and decided that I, too, should use this verse to guide my attitude each day.


 

"But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously." Micah 6:8 (MSG)

And since the Holy Spirit revealed to me today my negative attitude, He also chose to use Philippians 4:8 as my devotion Scripture. 

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."  Philippians 4:8-9  (MSG)

I read a quote a while ago that stuck with me and it is so fitting for my recent revelation.  Martha Washington once said, "I am still determined to be cheerful or happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances."  My attitude depends on my disposition not my circumstance.  I choose whether to stay positive or let negative thoughts and attitudes invade my heart.  Today I choose to have an attitude worth catching...a positive attitude...a sunny outlook...after all, if I meditate on things according to Philippians 4:8-9 and know that God is working all things together for good and for His glory, why be negative? 

Attitudes are contagious.  Is yours worth catching today?