We once lived in a house with a mold problem.  Of course, we didn’t know it at first, but then evidence started cropping up in obvious places.  By the time we noticed the mold, we had already begun inhaling the microscopic spores and experiencing their effects in our bodies.  Had we not removed ourselves from the moldy conditions, we could have suffered great sickness and damage from something we never could see in the air.  We could have suffocated in our own home.

I also have experienced a similar danger spiritually – suffocated by my environment – and chances are you have also.  Negativity does to our spirit what mold does to our respiratory system.  Surrounded my negative people and hearing an infestation of negative talk, we take on a negative tone in our own speech and perpetuate its unseen yet spiritually crippling effects.

As we start this week, let me encourage you to be mindful of the effect what you say and how you say it has on others around you.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. – Ephesians 4:29

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. – Colossians 4:6

“Corrupting talk” mentioned in Ephesians 4:29 does not refer to the content of our speech – i.e. foul language – but to the effect our words have on others.  CHOOSEwords that build up, and say them in a MANNER that is gracious and palatable.

For this week, concentrate on eliminating

criticism,

complaining,

and gossip.

Instead speak words that are 

positive, 

encouraging,

and beneficial.

BE INTENTIONAL.  Don’t contribute to the negativity pollution that pervades our culture.  Instead by a breath of fresh air to those around you.