By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“God’s Word provides the truth we need to grow, God’s people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment we need to grow.” – Rick Warren

Not too long ago, I was eating a bag of beef jerky. I shoved my hand down into the bag and, when I drew it out, I found a small white packet. On it were the words: DO NOT EAT. THROW AWAY.

What if, in that moment, I said, “I know what’s best for me. I think I’ll eat this,” and I popped it into my mouth?

You’d probably think I was crazy. But the reality is that many of us do this on a daily basis. We are continually consuming things that are toxic to our spiritual and emotional health.

Maybe we are watching TV shows or movies that are toxic. Maybe we’re hanging out with toxic people who spew toxic words in our direction. Or maybe we place ourselves in toxic environments. Each and every one of these toxic occurrences can prove fatal to our spiritual lives.

Many times, it begins slowly. One toxic Google search, one toxic run to the bar, one toxic friend. Before we know it, our souls can whither and shrink as we allow more and more toxicity into our lives.

The truth of the matter is that when we ingest toxicity, we also release it to others. We become the toxic friend, the toxic roommate, the toxic parent. Whatever toxicity we allowed into us comes flowing out of us.

The good news is that the same can be said of Godly things.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

When we set our hearts and mind on the things that Paul lists here, our souls blossom and flourish. When we focus on these things, our spiritual lives are strengthened. When we allow these things into our lives, these same things flow out of us.

If you realize that you are ingesting toxicity and it is choking your spiritual life, do not be afraid. You’re not finished or lost. There is a remedy for a toxic-filled life.

Dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Set your heart on God.

Parents: Read this verse from Philippians to your children. Explain to them how toxicity can affect them and what the remedy is.