Recently our church did a six-week Strong Challenge. Included with the teaching were Strong Cards that were intended to put the teaching into action. We were encouraged to do five cards (activities) each week. Here’s an example. One card was titled “Replace Negativity.” The card’s instructions stated: “Don’t say anything negative today. Don’t criticize, complain or even use sarcasm. Instead, whenever you’re tempted to say something negative or critical, use that breath to thank God for something good.”
My first reaction to card – this is stupid! Just kidding. But it didn’t take long for me to see how much negativity there is in my world. And I consider myself a positive person. I carried the card in my shirt pocket as a reminder. Sarcasm, for a lot of us, has become our favorite form of humor. And the news – well I saved an hour there. No need to watch it or read it. So many conversations have a critical bent to them. Have you ever been critical behind the wheel of the car?
Do you want to make this Thanksgiving special? Determine to spend that day with family refusing to complain or criticize. Replace negativity. If you have a normal family, this will prove quite challenging. Be the positive voice. Focus on good. Begin, by taking some time Thanksgiving morning to thank God for his goodness to you. You don’t have to wait until Thursday! The last part of the card suggested how to replace negativity, “use that breath to thank God for something good.”
Philippians 2:14-16 (God’s Word Translation) “Do everything without complaining or arguing. Then you will be blameless and innocent. You will be God’s children without any faults among people who are crooked and corrupt. You will shine like stars among them in the world as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
The cards also included a tip at the bottom of each card. Tip: it can be really challenging to kick the negativity habit, so it might help to have a visual reminder – tie a string around your finger, wear a rubber-band bracelet, turn your watch upside down, whatever.
Philippians 4:8 (God’s Word Translation) “Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.”
Make it a Happy Thanksgiving!
Glen Schneiders
