Last week I saw a post in one of the groups I follow on Facebook. It peeked my curiosity, so I started reading.
The language used in the post really pushed my buttons. It’s language that is used often in the media today…. it’s also language that labels and separates people rather than drawing us together. In a visceral response to a simple post, I made a big decision.
I choose to focus on moving toward the outcomes I want in my life and the world around me. I choose not to focus on messages that focus on moving away, but rather on what they want to move toward.
I choose to be intentional in the messages I expose myself to. I choose messages that draw people together and build them up. I believe that is what God calls us to do.
Moving Away vs. Moving Toward
Some people tend toward moving away from and others focus on moving toward. When we focus on what we are moving away from, we are focused on what is wrong. It’s important to know what is wrong, but staying in that place is self-defeating. If we are only focused on what is wrong, how can we move to a better place?
Instead, focusing on what I am moving toward shows me the place I want to go, the desired outcome I want to achieve, the destination I want to arrive at and potentially the steps to get there.
Personally, having a goal to move toward gets me much further than just a general moving away from. Even the words here – a goal I’m moving toward or a desire to move away tell me I made the right choice. Is there a goal to move away from something without a goal to move toward something else?
An Example
Let’s look at fighting human trafficking. The moving away from says human trafficking is wrong and we need to stop it. (A true statement.) However, without the structures in place to provide healing and restoration to the victims of human trafficking, are we really solving the problem? No, because the victims need support in finding the place to MOVE TO as they come out of human trafficking. Without these structures and support, they tend to fall back into victimhood, as they know nothing different.
I pray you’ve not been trapped in human trafficking. However, most of us are caught in some negative or counterproductive behavior in our life. Moving away from negative behavior requires moving toward something we view as better, something that is a solution, rather than just a band aid. Recovery programs of all kinds support this viewpoint.
Let me leave you with a final thought written by the apostle Paul.
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 NIV
Share Your Response
Is there a destination you are intentionally moving toward? Or are you in a state of moving away from and not sure of your destination?
