Author: admin

It is human nature to take things for granted. We can blithely assume that life will always remain the same. We can behave as if everything in our world will continue just as we want it to. But such is not the case. Life offers many unexpected surprises along the way.

When we speak confidently about our plans for the future, we are acting as if we control events around us. Because we make our plans and projections, we behave as if the world will proceed according to our assumptions. But most seriously, we are living as if God is not sovereign over the circumstances of our life, and that is an incorrect assumption that can have devastating consequences.

God intends for us to live in total dependence upon Him. Unless we constantly abide in Christ, we can accomplish nothing (John 15:5). While we might know that in our head, we act as if what is most important is our own planning and goal setting. Our plans can become an idol to which we turn rather than placing our trust in God. When looking to the future, we can inadvertently speak more of our plans than about God’s guidance and provision. Beware of acting as if your future does not depend entirely upon God’s sovereign will. God has ways of abruptly reminding us that our future rests solely in His hands.

Few things are as seductive as flattery. That’s because we can all be susceptible to having our egos stroked. It is enjoyable to be told we are doing a great job. People naturally want to feel appreciated. Because of this, we must beware the flatterer.

Flatterers are people who praise you insincerely. They shower you with compliments, not because they believe what they are saying, but because they want something from you. Unfortunately, people can allow themselves to be manipulated in exchange for cheap trinkets of praise.

Leaders must particularly guard themselves from the flatterer. While it is nice to be told we are doing a stellar job, it is far more important that we be told the truth. Flatterers use words cheaply, not wisely. They shower you with empty chatter that bring harm rather than good. As delightful as it may seem to bask in others’ praise, to do so is to play with fire. Beware the one who constantly compliments you. Don’t let your guard down or your senses be dulled. You may be in far more danger from the flatterer than the one who rebukes you. If you are susceptible to flattery, examine your heart. Why is it you are addicted to the praise of others?

Some people bring peace everywhere they go. Their kind demeanor and their gentle, soothing words, have a way of calming people’s passions and stilling the storms raging around them. But then there are others. It seems that conflict and division follow them wherever they go. They are always in the midst of a struggle or argument. Someone is constantly upset with them. They are continually angered at others.

These people can explain the troubles in which they are forever embroiled. People are trying to mistreat them. Someone unjustly attacked them. Others are trying to exploit them. To hear it from them, these people are always innocent. Yet despite their vehement protests of purity, something seems amiss.

The one common denominator in all of the conflict that surrounds the contentious people is the people themselves! They are always experiencing conflict. While others cooperate amiably, the contentious person seems to always find a way to stir up strife. Sadly, though they may be involved in dozens of conflicts, such people rarely recognize that they are the problem. They are convinced of their innocence. And, because they do not believe they are at fault, they do not change their behavior. So their battles continue to rage on. Beware the contentious person. They will bring conflict with them wherever they go.

Some people are spoiling for a fight. This occurs for diverse reasons. There are those who hate injustice. Some people despise fools. Others may feel compelled to assist their friends or those who are being mistreated. As a result, people can be quick to jump into the fray when they encounter a conflict. Nevertheless, however noble such behavior may appear, it is fraught with danger.

Wise people understand that quarrels tend to escalate. Once a battle is entered, it is not easily withdrawn from. If we are careless, we can find ourselves mired in conflict that consumes our energy and attention. Much time and resources can be squandered while we seek to resolve conflicts. It can be like holding a dog by its ears. The animal may be furious with us, but as long as we strenuously hold it at arms length, we are relatively safe. But woe to the one who releases the hound! So we are stuck. As unpleasant as our present situation is, it is now impossible to let go and walk away.

Before you enter a battle that is not yours, take time to carefully consider the consequences. Are you prepared for a long, drawn out conflict? Is this really the battle you in which  are willing to invest yourself fully, over a prolonged period of time? Are you really needed for this issue? Or, could it be best, in this case, for you to simply pass on by?

It can be extremely difficult to remain quiet. Especially when a fool has just spoken. Fools often pontificate, even though their words are mere babbling. They like to make pronouncements to gain peoples’ attention. Some enjoy giving the appearance of having thought deeply on a matter. Others are merely scoffers who love to belittle others. Such people pollute the air with their speech.

It would be easy to refute such people and their flimsy facts. Such empty-headed loudmouths need to be taken down a notch, and a wise person, brimming with facts, could easily do it. But there is a problem.

Fools are not speaking because they are seeking knowledge, but because they crave attention. They did not voice their opinion so others could help them become better informed. They spoke so they would have an audience. If you refute them or argue with them, you give them exactly what they want. They will not change or be improved by your discourse, but you will be tarnished. You will also have wasted your time, for the fool will remain the same after he has argued with you.

Be aware of wasting your time on fools. They will rob you of your time and peace of mind and give nothing in return. Size people up to see if they are open to feedback or just looking for an audience. You may feel better for a moment after having rebuked a fool, but you will find that in the process, you were brought down to his level.

A city without walls was a disaster waiting to happen. Without a defense, any enemy that approached could inflict severe harm. It mattered not how beautiful the houses were or how magnificent the edifices appeared in the interior. If there were no walls, there would be no peace. Without peace, there could be no long-term prosperity.

Some people make great efforts to better themselves. They obtain an education, apply for good jobs, get married, begin a family, and join a church. Yet they do not effectively control their own spirit. As a result, they lose their temper, or speak cruelly to others, or fail to demonstrate self-control. As a result, all that they have built in their life is assaulted and torn down. Years of labor can be ravaged in moments. People who do not control themselves are taking one step forward and then two backwards.

Ruling over our spirit should not be done haphazardly. It is a decision we make each day. Because we controlled our spirit yesterday does not mean we will effectively rule our spirit today. Carefully build strong walls around your life so you protect all that has been constructed over a lifetime.

It is one thing to be hot and another to be cold. But those who are lukewarm are particularly despicable. We expect evil people to act wickedly. After all, that is their nature. Conversely, we should be able to expect God’s people to behave righteously. That is, after all, what God intends for them to behave like. Yet sometimes they do not.

There are many reasons why Christians compromise their beliefs and values. Sometimes they simply succumb to the world’s temptations. Some yield to the pressure placed on them by others. Others, in a misguided belief they must “tolerate” evil people, may inadvertently allow themselves to be manipulated. Some may simply choose not to hate what God hates. Contamination does not always happen overnight. Sometimes it is a slow process. The reasons for compromise are legion.

What could be more frustrating than for a thirsty person to stumble upon a contaminated spring? At a distance, the water offers hope of refreshment and revival. But up close, its filth produces deep disappointment and loss. From a distance, your life may appear righteous. But how does it look when people draw close?

Some people talk too much! They have comments about everything, whether they have been invited to contribute them or not. There are those who love to hear themselves speak and can rattle on for hours without having said anything of substance.

The key is often not how much you speak, but what you say and when you say it. There are moments in life when the right word, spoken at the opportune time, can change everything and save the day. But those kinds of words are not easily come by.

To speak a perfect word at a critical moment, we must first excel at listening. Have we truly heard what others are saying? Do we clearly understand the issue at hand? Have we considered the alternatives? Am I merely repeating what others have previously said or do I have a significant contribution to make? Is this person prepared to receive feedback?

It is not a sin to be ambitious. In fact, we ought to strive to do our best in every situation. One consequence of doing things with excellence could well be promotions, awards, and recognition. Nonetheless, while we need not be surprised at the honors we receive after having done our best, we must never yield to the temptation to push ourselves into the limelight.

Some people can’t wait for God to honor them. Instead, they naturally gravitate to center stage. Positions of power allure them. They can’t help but make their way to the forefront, and the microphone. This can be a troubling tendency.

It is one thing for others to recognize our efforts and to reward us. It is quite another for us to blow our own horn and to grasp at honor and position. Those who push their way into prominent positions may suffer the disheartening experience of being rudely ushered out of those same places. Such honors and distinguished assignments are hollow if we have to manipulate our way in to them.

Far better to humbly and discreetly do your best, then wait for others to notice and reward your work. Such rewards can truly be savored, for you know they came honestly and genuinely, and not through your own plotting and scheming.

God’s people can be too tolerant of evil and wicked people. We can be tempted to excuse wickedness in the name of tolerance or diversity or good business or even godly patience and forgiveness. However, wise leaders understand that to allow wicked people to exert influence in their organization is to make everyone vulnerable. Wickedness is a lethal infection that poisons everything it touches.

Those who do not operate on godly principles can be tempted to make compromises or resort to unethical behavior. They are not guided by the same principles as believers are so they have different standards for their conduct. Further, Satan’s forces are constantly looking for ways to thwart God’s purposes and to dishonor His name. To allow evil people influence over you and those you lead is to make yourself extremely vulnerable.

Conversely, when leaders surround themselves with godly colleagues and counselors, they function in safety. The Holy Spirit has access to His people and they can steer you away from danger. Those led by the Spirit are governed by biblical principles and are sensitive to their God-given conscience. They understand that they will give an account of their work, not only to you but also to God. How much better to surround yourself and your organization with such people!