Looking for good people?
Finding any?
Genuinely good people are difficult to find. You may know a few, though you probably know a lot more of the other kind. It is easy to think that this is a modern dilemma. Today’s Scripture passage describes the same problem–and that was two thousand years ago. In these verses, Paul quotes David in Psalms written about a thousand years before.
Actually, the problem is much older. It goes all the way back to the beginning. Read the story of Cain in Genesis 4. This problem of selfish, self-interested people who hurt others to get what they want without regard for God, others, morality, or justice has deep roots. It is no wonder that it has spread throughout humanity since like the noxious weed that it is.
When you encounter such people–and you will–what can you do? It will be a struggle, no doubt about it. Therefore, it is wise to be prepared. To understand your options, let’s compare this with tactics of warfare.
The first thing to do in a conflict is to understand your enemy’s identity: Know who or what opposes you. Once you know this, you can plan your strategy and response. Until you know this, you are in danger because you are unprotected out in the open.
Next, you must limit the enemy’s ability to inflict damage. There are many ways to do this in conventional warfare. You do this spiritually and emotionally by not engaging them on their “turf”, not using their tactics or weapons, and not allowing them to gain rent-free space in your mind.
Understand: This type of person does not care about you. They will hurt you to get what they want and think nothing of it. You must take responsibility and not allow it to happen because their only regret would be getting caught.
Another important step in this process is to put them in perspective. Who are they, after all? What is their authority? Does their opinion matter? (Let me answer for you: “NO!”) Though this is so for many reasons, one is that if you regard their opinion or try to appease them, they will only use it against you.
The most important reason you cannot regard their opinion is that the only opinion that truly matters is God’s. As a Believer, you are adopted into the family of God. You are His. It is His opinion of you that matters. As long as you are in agreement with God, it does not matter what anyone else thinks, says, or does. He has your best interest at heart; they do not.
In conclusion, let me encourage you to know who you are and who they are not. Once you are clear on this, lock it in: do not allow your feelings to change it.
Perhaps you can rethink trying to find good people. Instead, seek to be who God has for you to be. He can then bring good people to you that you need in your life. This sounds like a better plan! Do you agree?
Today’s Seed™ Scripture and Prayer for Feb. 28, 2023:
As the Scriptures say, “No one is good–not even one. No one has real understanding; no one is seeking God. All have turned away from God; all have gone wrong. No one does good, not even one.” “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their speech is filled with lies.” “The poison of a deadly snake drips from their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “They are quick to commit murder. Wherever they go, destruction and misery follow them. They do not know what true peace is.” (Rom 3:10-17 NLT)
Prayer: LORD, there are people in the world who have no regard for You, others, morality, or justice. I sometimes struggle not to be dismayed by them. Keep me mindful that my well being depends not on them or what they do but on You and who You are. You are infinitely capable of dealing with them. This is Your responsibility. My responsibility is to maintain my relationship with You. Help me make it so. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(c) 2023 Randall Vaughn • All Rights Reserved • http://www.e-min.org
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Scripture quotations marked “NLT” are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
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“Today’s Seed” from E-MIN • Feb. 28, 2023
About Randall Vaughn:
With 40+ years as pastor, author, teacher, worship leader, and songwriter, Randall pioneered E-MIN in 1997–one of the earliest online ministries and today the longest operating. His passion is leading people to deeper, genuine relationship with God. He lives in Alabama with his lovely wife, Karen, and their dogs, Hadi and Casi. He enjoys hiking, exploring new tech, and “prayer walks”.
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