Don't Be SNIOP(ed)!
When I was in college, I remember an instructor teaching that we should not wear our emotions on our shoulder. She used an acronym -SNIOP (Sensitive to the Negative Influences of Other People). Although my instructor did not coin this phrase, she often talked about it. From time to time, I think about how so many of us are far too sensitive to negative energy ,influences, and vibes from other people. We allow this sensitivity to negatively alter our attitudes and to sometimes pressure us into making choices we may not be comfortable with. Very few of us intend to do this - it just happens. The following are common examples of being SNIOP(ed).
1. We allow the attitudes of others to alter our mood.
2. A misinterpreted look from someone could be perceived as rejection.
3. A group of people talking may be misread as anything from a ploy to get us fired to a plan to physically harm us.
When we don't take our thoughts captive, the mind plays dirty tricks on us. From time to time, we have all probably fallen victim to being SNIOP(ed). Therefore, we must make a conscious effort to not be SNIOP(ed). So, today, I challenge you to take your thoughts captive and do as the Apostle Paul said in
2 Corinthians 10:5 - bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.