Stay In Control

Stay In Control “I urge you brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” Romans 16:17 How do you react when someone around you, a fellow employee, a school mate or a neighbor, causes division and is constantly creating strife and being disrespectful to others. Having been in business for my entire career, rebellion is contagious in any organization, and also in your own personal life. One rebel can destroy any organization and lead people astray. Jesus did not tolerate disrespect and divisions with the people who followed Him. He confronted those who caused divisions, and rebuked them, as evidenced by the words He said to Peter: Matthew 16:23 “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” When we permit disrespect, and condone any kind of behavior that causes problems, and divides people, we are promoting a behavior that God does not approve of. I remember the staff manager for President Ronald Reagan, once saying that he managed by the acorn management philosophy. “I look for problems when they are the size of an acorn. I refuse to watch them grow into oak trees.” You must constantly be aware of signs of discontent with the people around you, and deal with any issues, before they spread like a virus in your life. We must have the discernment and courage, to keep those around us from becoming disrespectful and causing divisions. We must respond to them in a manner that will defuse the wrong attitudes, and guide them towards the higher standards of God. There will be many that will look at your walk with God as an example of how God controls your life. Be the example for others that God desires. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven November 30