"What are you talking about? Unlike everything else in the universe, negativity is free and easy!"
That might seem true, but it isn't.
We live in a world where criticism is the most valuable comedic currency and politicians' best qualifications are the failures of their opponents. In a time of seemingly irreversible financial, political, and cultural decline negativity seems the only logical response. My generation has grown up in a period of perpetual war and constant declarations of impending financial doom. I'm about to graduate college when, in the job market, a Bachelors degree means little more than a tee ball MVP certificate. Certainly, all of this gives me a license to be negative.
That's how I often see it--the more life throws at me the more I have the right to shoot negativity right back at it. It's so easy to justify. When the blows won't stop coming and it can seem that the only answer is to punch and kick right back. Surely if I spit enough nails at my problems they'll go away, right?
That seems correct, but recently I've become less sure. It's easy to get discouraged or tired and let my naturally critical spirit take control. It's even easier to allow that to pour onto others. How many times have I lashed out in negativity at those around me just because I'm experiencing hardship of some kind? How often do I let sarcasm ooze form my every pore because hiding behind a "sense of humor" is less terrifying than dealing with whatever is at its root? Is this really the best way to deal with something? Obviously, it isn't.
The real question though isn't whether or not my negativity accomplishes anything. Instead I should be asking is my negativity costing anything. The simple answer is that it hurts those who I encounter when at my worst. The more complicated answer is how it damages me. Can I honestly say that I can cut someone else down or declare something a lost cause and it won't leave a mark on me? No, I don't think I can.
God promises a Spirit of love, joy, and peace. He promises that everything resides in the palm of His hand and that He will never harm or fail us. Am I just taking this for granted when I live in negativity? Or am I suggesting that they're untrue or insufficient? Do I not believe that He is sovereign or that His peace might surpass understanding but it can't surpass my particular circumstances?
No, certainly I don't believe any of that. I believe God's promises are true and sufficient. I believe that He has complete control, and that His peace is supernatural and my only hope for remaining sane. It's when I allow negativity to take root that these truths are challenged. I might not want to admit it, but each biting remark and jaded comment threatens to chip away at the love, joy, and peace the Holy Spirit gives. When I view my life or those in it through the lenses of a critical spirit, I am voluntarily putting aside those of hope and peace that God promises.
This is a lesson that I frequently learn and, obviously, frequently forget. When everything around me points to a free and easy solution of negativity it's difficult to remember that it doesn't exist. Negativity is not part of the Spirit of God, and criticism does come at a cost. These truths are never more evident than in the very word of God.
"And He said, 'My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.'"
Exodus 33:14
"You are my hiding place; You surround me with songs of deliverance."
Psalm 32:7
"Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence."
Psalm 42:5
"'Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears; for your work will be rewarded,' declares the LORD."
Jeremiah 31:16
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13
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