The Ability to Alter the Atmosphere

Real Dudes,
I recently met up with a gentleman for lunch. He was sharing with me that an individual at his place of work “has the ability to alter the atmosphere.” Some research I did pointed out that a personality that can significantly alter the atmosphere is typically described as highly charismatic, influential, and often extroverted, meaning they have a strong ability to impact the mood and energy of a group or situation through their presence, actions, and communication style.
The key traits of such a personality might include:

• Strong social skills:
  Easily connecting with others, building rapport, and adapting to different social situations. 
• Positive energy:
  Projecting optimism, enthusiasm, and a generally uplifting demeanor. 
• Leadership qualities:
  Ability to inspire and motivate others, often taking initiative and setting the tone for a group. 
• Excellent communication skills:
  Articulating ideas clearly, using persuasive language, and actively listening to others. 

Depending on the context, this type of personality could be considered:

• A natural leader: Someone who inspires others to follow their vision. 
• A social butterfly: Someone who thrives in social settings and easily makes connections. 
• A mood-setter: Someone who can significantly influence the overall vibe of a room or situation. 

Does someone you work with automatically come to mind? Is it possible that it’s your personality that is altering the atmosphere everywhere you go? I guess the important question is this, is your personality altering the atmosphere in a positive or negative way? If you identify as the mood-setter as is mentioned above, then what mood are you setting in the atmosphere you find yourself in? 
My challenge for each of you is to pray for self-awareness and to ask the Lord to examine your life and motives. 

• Self-awareness…paying attention to everything that’s going on around you and noticing how you personally are affecting the atmosphere. 
• Examination from the Lord…praying for the Lord to bring anything to light / to surface that needs to be dealt with. The last thing you want is to be a deterrent or distraction for someone to come to the Lord. Pray that any negative, or inappropriate personality be removed from within you. And pray for a humble spirit to make the appropriate adjustments. Let’s be influencers of all that is holy and acceptable in His sight (Romans 12:1-2). 
  • Psalm 26:2 
    • (CSB) Test me, LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.
    • (NLT) Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.
  • Psalm 139:23-24 (CSB) 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.

Here are some verses that can help you stay aware and on track…

• Psalm 19:14 (NLT) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
• Psalm 141:3 (NLT) Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.
• Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Remember, each of us has the ability to impact the mood and energy of a group or situation through our presence, actions, and communication style. So, whether you’re a positive (altering the atmosphere for His glory) or negative (altering the atmosphere out of selfish ambition / self-attention and self-convenience) type of influencer, hiding the verses mentioned throughout this lesson in your heart is a great place to begin…every single one of us needs to apply these verses to our lives and improve on them. I just pray that each of us can have the awareness to attempt to alter our atmosphere in a way that brings all the attention and glory to Him. Men, have some self-awareness and set aside some time for self-examination…ask the Lord to examine you. If you hear others say something about you, then process it, take it as an answer to prayer, and see how the Holy Spirit can help you make the appropriate adjustments if any are needed. You got this…cheering for each of you. 
Practicing His Presence,
Nate