LIVING IN A TOXIC WORLD
Off the coast of Mexico, lie underwater caves containing deadly levels of hydrogen sulfide, so toxic it kills most organisms within minutes. Yet one creature not only survives in this lethal environment, but thrives— the small Atlantic molly. This tiny fish is a mystery to scientists. Besides living in the midst of poison, this creature actually changes its environment, detoxifying and removing the hydrogen sulfide around it.
In some ways, this furnishes us with a picture of our lives as followers of Jesus. While we experience so many beautiful aspects of life this side of heaven, scripture is clear that we live in a toxic world. I John 5:19 states, "We know that we are children of God, and the whole world is under the control of the evil one." Ever since The Curse fell upon the human race following Adam and Eve's sin, this is the reality of our existence. Personally, I’m not shocked by the presence of evil in our world. I’m pleasantly surprised at how much good there is.
God's call on our lives is not just to "survive" in our pernicious habitat, but to thrive — to transform our environment, rather than allowing it to influence us. Philips translation of Romans 12:2 reads, "Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold." Like the Atlantic molly, which transforms its "culture," our role is to change our world.
But don't fear. We're not alone. Jesus tells the disciples that they will be hated by the world (John 15:18-25). But in the very next verse, He promises to give the Holy Spirit. The very Presence of God dwells in us, supernaturally empowering us to navigate through our toxic surroundings.
The toxic attitudes of our world — anxiety, stress, fear, negativity — run rampant in our times. These destructive mindsets can poison our thoughts faster than The Flash. Rising above the toxicity of our culture and soaring to a higher level is a battle we face each day. We have a choice. We can allow the world to drag us down, or we can open ourselves to the Holy Spirit and all the resources God supplies, rising above the fear and negativity the world feeds us. It’s a battle, but we can thrive, as we live in a toxic world.
Principle: God calls us to thrive in our toxic world.
Promise: God gives us the Holy Spirit, empowering us to rise above the toxicity around us.
Ponder:
What toxic attitudes do I allow to pull me down, such as anxiety, fear, and negativity?
How does knowing we live in a toxic world help me face the challenge of anxiety?
Prayer: Lord, I confess my struggle with allowing the world to influence me. Empower me to rise above it, and change my environment.
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study John 15:18-16:15.
Perceptions: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from today’s devotional.