Classroom Experiment by Mike Belgard

February 22, 2017 - There was an experiment where a group of children were put in a classroom. A teacher was chosen to go into that classroom and teach these children. However, before the teacher went into the room they were briefed on the children's behavior. The first was told that these children were good students and that they had exemplary behavior. When the teacher went into the room she walked in smiling with a pleasant demeanor. She was eager to answer the children's questions. When asked at the end of the day how it went she gushed at how smart and easy these children were to teach.

The second teacher was briefed on the same class but was told that the children were difficult to control and slow to learn. Her approach to the children was vastly different. She was very stern in her speech and gave only short answers to the children's questions. At the end of the day the second teacher appeared much more stressed and told the researcher how difficult her day had been with these children. The researchers came to the conclusion that the teachers attitudes toward their work and the children were directly related to the positive or negative information they received. Positive counsel produces positive attitudes and results. Negative counsel produces negative attitudes and results.

We can easily apply these same principles to our lives. Have you ever worked with someone who always says "that will never work" before they even try? What about those who are constantly complaining? They seem to always want to share their misery with everyone. If we are to be happy and productive, we need to avoid those who would speak negativity into our lives. Instead you need to seek out those who can speak positive things into your life. We can use the principles taught in the Bible to help us overcome negativity in our lives.

First, we can make sure that we do not ask people who have predetermined, negative ideas about things for counsel. King David tells us in the first Psalm, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields it's fruit in season, it's leaf does not wither . And he will prosper in all he does." In other words when you seek counsel from someone who is not a Godly person, you cannot get wise, Godly answers. But if you align yourself with those who are seeking God, you will most often receive wise counsel that is led by the Spirit. The Bible promises us if we follow this principle we will always be successful.

Second, we must speak positive encouraging words into other's lives. When we speak encouraging words to others it not only gives them hope, but helps us to maintain a positive attitude and wholesome spirit. "We are what we speak." Paul says in Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good for edifying (building up), that it may minister grace to the hearers." We must learn to speak good things if we are to expect positive results. Our words are powerful, and must be spoken wisely.

God loves you and He wants you to live a happy, successful, joy filled life. When you meditate on the love that God gives us in His word and share through positive words to others, both of you will "bloom where you are planted." Believe Him, trust Him, and surround yourself with others who do the same, and He promises to never let you fail.

I'm just Sayin,
Mike Belgard