The safest and best way to punish one who has done you an injustice is to do him or her a kind deed in return.
People will always respond in kind, even in greater measure than that which is delivered to them. This commonplace need for retaliation can be replaced with a response designed to convert an enemy into a friend. If you get rid of the millstone of pride, you can respond to an injustice with a kind deed. It may take time to make this work, but if you treat those who dislike you with unfailing kindness, they will eventually succumb to your influence and “retaliate” in kind. As Napoleon Hill said, “The hottest coals of fire ever heaped upon the head of one who has wronged you are the coals of human kindness.”
“You shall bring the choice first fruits of your soil into the house of the Lord your God….” Behold, I AM going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.” “Be on your guard before him and obey his voice; do not be rebellious toward him, for he will not pardon your transgression, since My Name is in him.” “But if you truly obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.” For My angel will go before you and bring you in to the land…and I will completely destroy them.” “But you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from your midst.” “I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land.” Exodus23: 19-25, 29-30
I am always amazed at how the Lord places all character development on availability, attitude, behavior, and priorities. Many of the trials and oppressions of men come as a result of not obeying God, especially after He has answered their prayers. Sure, we pray for houses, health, happiness, food, safety, jobs and wealth. And this ABBA will do. However, the greatest sin I’ve noticed is, not acknowledging God. Let’s be real. Once God blessed many with the provisions they needed, carved, permuted, weighted and engraved their plan of success, in the ether (spirit realm), on the platform of brokenness to happiness, after many receive the first pay roll, they remove Him, their service to Him, and justify it to themselves, and anyone who cares to listen. They convince themselves that they simply do not have the time, energy, nor the inclination to serve God as a priority. In fact, the first priority to be shifted or adjusted is missing church, not attending Bible study, closing down hospitality, and not paying tithes in exchange for the worship of time, space and other commitments. These are gifts He’s bestowed upon us. Too bad “THE GIFT” Jesus, does not get the same priority – consistently, in our lives.
Repent! He is a forgiving God. He is a loving God. However, He is His Word. And He has sent an angel to reward an spake the hinny! He cannot adjust His Word, Himself to suit our whims. We have to adjust our whims and mature in alignment with His Nature, character, and expectation for our lives. And, this is not difficult. It’s simply a choice.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
The only safe way to boast is by constructive actions.
It has been said that it’s not boasting if you can really do it. This may be true, but a far more persuasive argument is made when you do it first and talk about it later. Besides, good things that are said about you always carry more weight when they are said by someone other than yourself. When you find yourself tempted to wax eloquent about your achievements, force yourself to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and ask someone else about their achievements.
Don’t be afraid to aim high when choosing your life’s goal, for no matter how high you aim, your achievements may fall below it.
Many businesses today advocate “continuous improvement” as part of their quality programs. They have realized that to remain competitive in today’s global economy they must constantly strive to improve every aspect of the business, otherwise they will be overtaken by the competition. The same ethic applies to individuals. All of life is a continuous learning experience. Every success and every temporary setback only serve to prepare you for the time when you will eventually prevail. Your short- and medium-term goals should be realistic and achievable, but your long-term goals should always far exceed your present capabilities. As the Roman poet Virgil said, “Fortune sides with him who dares.”
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