"Getting to know people can be a wonderful thing; knowing them can be disappointing"
The people we encounter in our lives seem to mean well. You enjoy their company. Discuss long-term partnerships and friendships. Laughter is in the atmosphere. Joy seems to be all around you until...the real YOU unfolds. Sometimes NOT knowing a person helps you like them a little better but knowing them forces you to love them as Jesus loved us. No one is perfect of course but -- we can strive for excellence and achieve it with the right people in our corner because -- no one becomes successful on their own....
On this side of heaven, I have come to discover many things. I have been known to embrace reality a bit to closely for most people I've encountered. But, that's what keeps me grounded and rooted in the Lord -- reality. The sad part about my reality is: some view me as too difficult to understand. I have been Used for my gifts and ideas. Pimped for prayers. Misused for my anointing...and the list goes on...
Now I truly have a more profound understanding of how Jesus must have felt...WOW! You want my crown but you don't want to carry my cross...
In this world, there are 3 types of creatures: (1) people who want you to succeed (2) others that do not want you to succeed, and (3) those who do not care one way or the other, as long as THEY are succeeding. I find this to be very disheartening because we should care enough about another person to WANT them to do well. Unfortunately, in this day and age and in this harsh reality, this is NOT the case. It's like -- people speak ill of you, hoping that you fall on your face so that they can laugh and feel superior and say 'I told you so'...'see, they are just like the rest of THEM'...who ever THEY are???
Here's my challenge for you today: Just think -- every time you meet a person on the road to success and encouraged them to keep up the good work, when it's your turn to succeed, you too can receive encouragement to remain successful from another. Pray that someone is blessed then, YOU just might get a Double portion of the blessing you prayered for someone else...MY -- what a concept!!!
Here lately, it seems as though everyone is fighting for another person's failure instead of their success. I say, find an unselfish way to celebrate someone else's success then maybe you'll be inspired to succeed and excel as well. Just when you thought you knew a person...you come to discover -- you really don't know someone until they die. Then all the "dirt" is revealed. Remain an open book so no one can speak ill of you after you expire. Live the life you preach about and stop blowing smoke!
Live your dash (-) in a way that people will smile when they think of you or feel good because of your encouragement or remember how they started that business with your encouragement...
It is very important to get to know the people in your life then you can determine if you want them to remain a part of your sphere. This practice is not to slight anyone or make them feel less than but, if they are not helping you to grow then --- you don't need them in your life.
Examine this point of view very carefully -- I do all the time: Assess your assets! Know the people in your corner. Examine their real motives. Get to know them [well enough] before you engage in a convenant relationship or a business venture. Really understand WHO they are and not who you WANT them to be. Who knows, the people in your circle of influence can either become a part of your success or lead you to failure. Something to ponder...
Be blessed saints and have a wonderful day in Him!
- Pastor D
