I’m NOT for EVERYONE! Ouch, That Hurt’s!

The other night as I was preparing to go to bed, I threw on this t-shirt. As usual, I smiled knowing full well of the meaning that this gift was presented with.

I feel very comfortable with who I am. Certainly NOT in an egotistical way, but I appreciate the gifts that God has given to me to make me unique.

I worked with doctors and other administrators in an office together. It didn’t take long for my uniqueness to become transparent, as I was clearly not the same as a doctor. I joked that I had my personality has never known the flavor of tasted “Grey Poupon.” Life was supposed to be happy and fun, and not just… like a stuffed shirt.

I have celebrated who I am, while also realizing that … I’m NOT for EVERYONE.

This night as I dawned the shirt, the words seemed to sting a bit. I had read them in the language of “failure.” I froze in the message, feeling a bit defeated and squashed. I share this in hope that you other Christians can relate to my experience.

Being Christlike offers many opportunities to help others. We find great satisfaction from making personal efforts, dedicating time, and a great deal of thought to answer God’s call by caring for others. I’m so grateful for this concept, for it has shaped me into who I have become.

But in this service, I discovered that I wasn’t making things better for this person, In fact… I was making them worse. Much Worse.

My intentions were never to cause someone to have to be pushed back in their progress. But that was what had happened. I felt such sorrow in my heart, and tried to express this sorrow with the person that I had harmed.

Some of us might have the drive of wanting to fix things, which includes fixing others. The frequent success has given us motivation to continue with this same charge. “If it’s Broken, let’s fix it.”

With the gospel of Jesus Christ in our quiver, it feels like we have everything that is necessary to do the job.

Sadly, some people do not need the “fix” applied. They simply just need the LOVE.

Can you relate to what I am saying? Have you ever posted something on social media that was not received as you had intended? I feel that you have. I feel that all of us can relate to this in some way.

My immediate response was “self-reflection.” What am I doing? Why do I spend countless hours trying to help others, when it actually can cause harm? Why? Why? Why?

My mind reflected on the words of the shirt, but there seemed to be more words written on that t-shirt this time. It read,

“I’m Not for everyone, BUT I AM FOR SOMEONE!”

God had heard my dilemma, this time without even taking it to Him. I am for someone! You too are for someone. Our skills and talents that we have been given, when shared help MANY, and I am considering stopping because of one?

I again think back upon our conversation. She continued to express her love…GENUINE love for me and my attempts to assist her with the information that I was providing. Love is now what I heard and felt from this experience.

I was also taught a very important lesson that day. We need to realize that what we provide is not what is needed for everyone that we deal with. Others possess different skills and strengths that might be the answer people are looking for.

It is important in our “self-worth” that we understand this concept, and not take it personal. You’re the three-point shooter remember? God doesn’t need your skills in every play. When he sits you on the bench, it is not out of failure in your performance, the play has been changed to, “the pick and roll.”

I must also state some things that are totally unrelated to my situation that I write of today.

We are doing God’s work. EXPECT resistance. We should expect others pushing us away because of some of the gospel principles that we have to share. For one, they might make that person uncomfortable due to the way which they are living their life. Do you realize that becoming uncomfortable is a necessary step for change? That it is.

With all of us experiencing resistance, know that this to is a strategy of the adversary in hopes to shut down your light. He doesn’t like or appreciate you bringing people closer to Christ. He will use others to bring you down, and perhaps even have the thought of quitting the fight all together.

DO NOT let him win. Realize that we too feel this personal push back, which he translates to personal failure. It is NOT!

I love the new wording on my shirt… I am for SOMEONE. I know that is indeed true, and so do you. That someone is still out there, and when you find them, there is yet another. Hold your candle high so that all can see the light that you bring through the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Do you remember what Jesus told the people during His sermon on the mount?

Matthew 5:14-16

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

God is aware of the push back that you might face in your zeal to help one another. But applying the principle of love towards everyone, will never be met with a continued pushback from others. Their outward expression might not be welcoming, but the light that you have just brought into their heart will continue to shine through any negative response.

So, hold your head up high for the people that you have shown love, and even for those which you have helped in finding Jesus Christ.

So, enough of my peptalk, let’s hear it from the Coach Himself:

John 15:7
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

John 16:33
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Mark 10:27
“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

You can find more of River’s writings at www.riverwilde.blog