I recently heard about a Candid Camera episode from years ago. They had setup in a store in a mall and there was a sign on the cash register that said, “No change given today.”

Many people came in and made their purchases. When they would ask for their change the clerk simply pointed to the sign. Of course, all different reactions followed including much anger.

One man however, reacted differently than all the others. He made a purchase of something for a couple of dollars and change. He handed the clerk a $10 or a $20 bill. When he asked for change, the clerk responded by again, pointing to the sign. This man simply shrugged and walked out of the store with his package in hand.

When the camera crew caught up with him and asked him why he wasn’t upset, he simply replied, “Because I decided long ago to not let people like that rent space in my head.”

Isn’t that great? I decided long ago to not let people like that rent space in my head. In other words, he was saying he was not going to allow others to impact his mood. He wasn’t about to let people steal his peace and joy. What a great concept!

A friend of mine once asked me, “If someone spits on you does that make you mad?”

I said, “You bet!”

He challenged me and said, “No it doesn’t, it only makes you wet. It is your choice to get angry.” I wanted to dispute him, but he was right. He had me. In all cases, we choose our response. That is exactly what this man on Candid Camera was demonstrating. He was choosing his response. You and I can too!

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2