Read Jeremiah Chapter 44
Arrogance Kills!
The Jews who disobeyed God, by leaving Judah, to live in Egypt, don’t see their arrogance. God said: they have not humbled themselves, they have no reverence for God, nor do they obey God’s laws. In other words, they are arrogant, they have no respect for God because they feel they don’t need God, and they don’t obey God because they live by their own rules.
Hanging around arrogant, selfish people is not fun. They look down on you, you’re made to feel stupid, and you’re never right. I worked with someone once on a three-day job fixing a roof of a house. I guess he was desperate for help. He corrected me more than once. I don’t mind being corrected but don’t do it to make me feel like I’m an idiot. He exploded when I tossed my hammer to him the wrong way. Thank God it was only 3 days! It was a toxic environment: not healthy and not fun. What do you do in such circumstances? Here are four ideas and I’m sure there are many more:
1. Communicate your feelings.
2. Set boundaries. I set a boundary with the guy I worked with. I said if I’m not doing something right, teach me and encourage me but don’t put me down.
3. Isolate yourself from the toxic environment. If you been beat down on a long-term basis, it’s important to surround yourself with a positive environment so God can build you back up. This will take time. A 19-year-old, new Christian, just told me she moved out of her home because of her toxic home life. Staying in that home meant feeling insignificant and having no confidence.
4. Pray for this individual. Pray on your knees. Pray with a broken heart for this person. God promised he would humble the Jews and Egyptians for their arrogance. God can do that in your situation. Such prayers can bring restoration.
Are you a victim of a toxic environment? Or are you the toxic person? May we all humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God.
