Expectant Prayers ®

There was a quote in my devotion from yesterday that really struck a chord- and I knew it would for several of you out there as well.  It was spoken by President Theodore Roosevelt:  "The most important single formula of success is knowing how to get along with people".  The devotional went on to comment that those who cannot deal with people are usually unsuccessful people.

Now even if this quote isn't necessarily an overtly Spiritual thought (because success in the world's eyes is not necessarily God's definition of success).. there is still a few nuggets to glean from the statement(s).

Many of the things we accomplish is said to be attributed to our talents/what we do or even who we know, but in reality, that's only part of the equation.  A huge factor IS  how we deal with others once given an opportunity!  Even with a boatload of talents or "connections", you won't have doors continue to open to you if you don't know how to relate and deal with others... even if the door opened by divine intervention.   

This idea of dealing with others  is applicable to the positive situations of life as well as the challenges.  Ever deal with someone difficult to handle at work, at home, or otherwise?  If your answer is "yes" then keep reading!

When dealing with people in life, we have to understand that it's NOT the response of others, their accolades, or their approval that matters.   What DOES matter is how you act/react and if you are being obedient and pleasing to God.  Let me explain a little further; You aren't responsible for how others treat you, but you are responsible for how YOU respond.   No matter how hard you try, you can't make people act like you think they should.  They will disappoint you every time.  BUT, you have a choice in the matter.   You have a "say"!    How do you respond when people aren't easy to get along with?

Luke 6:32-34 tells us, "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. But love your enemies, do good to them"

Yeah, but what does that mean?   We learn in the book of 1 Corinthians that we should  be:

-forgiving (not keeping records of past wrongs)
-patient
- kind
- slow to anger
-seeking and delighting in the truth
-humble
-polite
-trusting
-protecting (of their feelings and yours)
-hopeful
-persevering (enduring)
 -unfailing

Even Jesus was not just a friend of those who were easy to love... He was also said to be a friend of the sinner.  Now, I'm not making an assumption that his close confidants were those involved in sinful lifestyles... I am just drawing a parallel that Jesus knew how to handle himself when dealing with others from all walks of life.

You may be saying, well, Jesus was divine and I'm not so what am I supposed to do?  Don't forget that the Spirit of God is within you and will help you in time of need.  The Holy Spirit is available to all because of the perfect work Jesus did on the cross.  His access and helps are unlimited to the believer.  He is the abundant giver of life.  He's your source for power and understanding when you don't know what else to do and you're throwing up your hands in frustration.  It's not the power you possess in yourself that will help you in dealing with others, it's trusting, relying, and leaning upon your heavenly Father as THE SOURCE.

Of course, praying for those who tend to rub you the wrong way doesn't hurt either!  It's hard to have evil thoughts toward someone you are praying for and trying to see through God's eyes.  God can help you see the positive and good in others!  This doesn't mean that God is going to force you to make that "certain someone" your best buddy ever... it's just changing you view of them to understand that God loves them, too. 

Sometimes, our most trying relationships can spiritually teach us the most and cultivate untapped character!  Maybe that thorn in the flesh is serving a purpose that you haven't even thought about, but years later you will understand why God allowed it in your life!

Maybe your "answer" will come in the form of wisdom of when to sever a relationship that is toxic or harmful (because there are such things out there- even in Christian circles)!  If others are leeching the lifeblood out of you or your work/ministry, trying to monopolize your time, not respecting you or your family- or your personal rules/boundaries, or even putting unrealistic demands on your relationship... God may be trying to get you to cut that relationship off.  The key is listening to God and moving in His timing.  You should guard your relationships closely... that's just plain and simple wisdom!  We don't become doormats just because we love the Lord.    There are those who abuse their liberties as "children of God" just like anywhere else. 

I will conclude with another quote from my devotional that is worth thinking about when dealing with others...

Committing an injury puts you below your enemy.
Taking revenge makes you even with him.
Forgiving him sets you above.


Blessings and have a great weekend!