I came across a post on Facebook that I wanted to share. Not just because it was good…but because of the great comment on it from Tim Polk. I miss his encouragement. He was so wise and so very much loved Jesus. A few years ago Pastor Lynn showed us a diagram on Sunday morning. He said, “we have to flow from the inner circle and influence outward. Not the other way around.” He drew it like a scribble circle with a sharpie. So, I created the one below.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

When I look at this diagram and think of situation that I have been in throughout my life. These are my thoughts:

Do not allow crazy toxic people access to influence your inner circle. These are those who make shaming and guilting you a way to drive their agenda and get control of your life. They want to make “their way” your new god.
1. Take a deep breath: remember who you belong to. #Jesus How you feel is not who you are.
2. Boundaries: learn to say no to their overriding your free will and choose what you will and will not do.
3. Watch your interactions: Be an observer. Really see what is happening.
4. Take care of your reactions: Do not react emotionally to a toxic person. They will use it against you. Respond in love but be direct.
5. Build a safe circle: Process your emotions about this situation later with safe inner circle people. Not with crazy toxic people.

We all have areas of toxic – we must take care of our hearts.

Here is Tim Polk’s addition to this post:

He said, “I believe there is a picture of this diagram in Philippians 2” (this is from the NASB):

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 

Philippians 2:1-2

1. If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ – inner core, Jesus and you.
2. Any consolation of love – marriage and family.
3. Any fellowship of the Spirit – my brothers and sisters in Christ
4. If any affection and compassion – acquaintances.
The following verses in ch 2 go on to say, if my relationships are rightly aligned and energized at each level of the circle, there is an invitation to “make … joy complete” by being in agreement “being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

Good mind candy right there!

Thanks for listening,

Starla