Puzzled part 3

Thriving in Toxic Environments

By Pastor John L. Franklin Jr., October 15, 2023

1.Manage Expectations

*Don’t expect people in a toxic space to respond “normally”. Give up your expectation of a healthy response to your good work or deeds. Instead, serve the Lord

(Colossians 3:23,24).

23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.

*Accept the fact that you cannot change the culture or enviroment unless you are the leader.

*Set clear boundaries regarding what you will or will not do, and stick to it. Do not lose the person you are “in Christ” (Romans 8:1), for the sake of pleasing your manager or your company, family or friend group.

*Don’t accept false guilt, from those trying to blame you or others.

*Don’t take it personally, remember that toxic culture is an outworking of rampant sin, not your personal responsibility. Pass the burden to Jesus

(Matthew 11:28–30).

28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest(renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”

*Have people who will affirm you, preferably who can give you clear feedback on your working or attitude, so that you can evaluate yourself and your actions with sober judgment

(Romans 12:). 3 For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service].

2.Guard and Insulate Yourself.

Psalms 1

1[aBlessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of [b]scoffers (ridiculers). 2
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. 3
And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity].

*The people who you choose to surround yourself with will have an enormous impact on your attitude and spiritual health in toxic environments.

*You must insulate yourself with the word of God

*Our roots run deeper than the toxic layer

3.Know when to leave

*When it impacts my faith.

*When it impacts my mental or physical health