I apologize for bringing up such a sensitive topic, but are you dealing with toxic people in your family, business, or ministry? They seem to be everywhere and a productive response to them feels like it is nowhere to be found.
Toxicity is defined as: “the degree to which a substance can damage an organism. By extension, the word may be metaphorically used to describe toxic effects on larger and more complex groups, such as the family unit or society at large.”
I just had to share this quote posted online that is spot on when it comes to dealing with feels-like-it-will-never-go-away toxicity that possesses a proper name:
(Photo Source: Dale C. Bronner)
If you are like me, it is extremely difficult to handle the long haul of dealing with a “pathological antagonist” as one author put it. The tension just keeps going and going. May I encourage you that no matter what they do, the passage of time plus your doing that which is right and true will ALWAYS WIN through the renewing strength and affirmation of the Lord.
Proverbs 4:14-19
14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
Here is it is: “stay above it” by keeping your focus upon the eternal God who will ultimately outlast and overcome the most toxic personalities and agendas in our world today! (By the way, the Lord often overcomes the toxic sinner not with our preference of wrath but with His saving mercy and grace…that is their greatest need!)
Do you have a verse, quote, principle that enables you to have a God-honoring response to the toxicity in your life and leadership?
harleysnode 