Are There Toxins in Your Life?

A toxin is defined as poison.  Poison can be defined as something harmful or pernicious, as to happiness or well-being. It is a substance with an inherent property that tends to destroy life or impair health.

What toxins are there in your life? What, or who is causing you harm emotionally, physically, financially or spiritually? What or who is ruining or destroying your life? What or who is standing between you and Gods divine purpose for your life?

When I ask myself these questions I think about relationships that are not productive or are not life enhancing. I think about time used for activities which are not aligned with one’s character which could be allocated elsewhere.  I think about people and things that drain ones energy causing a person to be depleted of the strength needed to persevere.

In all these things, these toxins or poisons that threaten our ability to move forward, I also think about the role we play in allowing these toxins or poisons to have power or a place of existence in our lives. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 9:11…time and chance happen to us all. There are some things that will just happen in our lives. Please understand God does not cause bad things to happen in our lives, but He does allow certain things to occur. Also remember we read in Romans 8:28 and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

When I think about my own life I know that there are decisions that I have made that led to less than favorable outcomes. If it were possible would I change some of the choices I have made, of course I would. I also know however that the choices that I have made have molded me into the person that I am today. Whether our choices are good or bad that are still part of the fabric of which we are woven.

As we read the account of Samson and Delilah we read of Delilah nagging Samson to the point that he grew so sick and tired of her nagging that he gave in to her request to know the source of his power. Samson lost his power, his eyes were gouged out and he was taunted. Samson sought God to avenge him. His power was restored and he slew more Philistines, those that sought to kill him, at his death than he did during his life.

Samson’s relationship with Delilah was toxic. It fits the description of poison as it ultimately led to his death. I pray that you are not in a relationship or behaviors that are poisonous. Are there however relationships or behaviors that you need to change or end? Perhaps they are not literally threatening your life, but they may be preventing you from moving forward.

Take a self-assessment. Ask yourself the following questions:

·         Do my relationships enhance or hinder?

·         Do my behaviors energize or are they weighing me down?

·         Do I allow myself to become engaged in activities that are counterproductive?

·         Am I pursuing Gods purpose for my life or allowing myself or others to sabotage my journey?

If your responses to these questions lead you to believe you are involved in toxic or unhealthy behaviors or relationships I strongly encourage you to take the necessary steps to make changes and healthy life choices.

It’s not always easy to end relationships or change behaviors. There may be times that you revert to your old behaviors and contemplate returning to old relationships. I am joining with you in prayer that God will give you the strength that you need to move away from the things that are hindering you and preventing you from pressing forward.

No matter how far you may have gone to the left or to the right God is more than able to help you get back on track. As we read in Philippians 11:6 being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.