May 22 “Steal my Joy?” Proverbs 9:7-9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” (Proverbs 9:7-9)
Many years ago, I took a class in Human Relations. In this class, I discovered a statistical fact that caused me some discomfort. The fact is that has been proven; at least 10% of the people that you encounter; will not like you. So, where does that leave an individual that wants everyone to like them? It leaves us with the reality that, since we cannot please everyone, then, we need to celebrate who we are and live independently, seeking to please our Lord. There are so many challenges and trials, as we navigate through this life. My dear Daddy used to teach that I could not control the actions of others; however, I certainly could control my reactions to them. How True! Every summer, Mama and I would visit the same Produce Stand. The man that ran the place was a sour puss. He was rude and downright unfriendly. He was one of those individuals that appeared to be “weened” on a sour pickle. Well, on this particular visit, he was true to form. Rude, hateful and just difficult, yet, Mama purchased the fresh vegetables and said to this “Grump,” “Thank you for being here!” We got in the truck and headed home. I could not stand it another minute…”Mama, how can you be so nice to that hateful man?” “He treated you terribly!” Oh, my sweet and accepting Mama said to me, “Honey, you know how he is. Why should I let him determine how I will act?” She didn’t attempt to correct his behavior, nor did she allow his surly behavior to dictate her attitude. Mama taught a valuable lesson with the “Grumpy Grocery Man!” I REFUSE TO ALLOW ANYONE TO STEAL MY JOY AND TO DETERMINE MY ATTITUDE!! How about you? Who is determining how you act or react? Are you allowing the “Grumpy” and Ignorant and the Evil one to steal your joy? I am attempting to live for Jesus and to not allow the ignorance and arrogance of this evil existence to steal my joy. Remember what Daddy said…”YOU CAN’T CONTROL OTHERS; HOWEVER, YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR REACTION TO THEM! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT A DOUBT, YET TO BE!