Perhaps one of the greatest mistakes we can make…is presuming we need not work at ourselves.   People have discipline instilled at an early age.   Yet, even with that we find that imperfections reign.

Have you ever been caught unaware, and the conversation was about you.   A very uncomfortable experience.   The demeanor  of those ‘gossiping’ about you changes.   Quickly the subject is changed, and all ‘feel’ uncomfortable.

Why do people do this;  When they know the person is at the gathering?   What prompts one to speak ill of another?   Does it ’empower’ the one speaking?

It is the desire of most to be the center of attention.   Usually at the expense of another.  It is empathy that the world lacks.   For if empathy were the centerfold to life, we would most likely,  appreciate each other to the degree to which we are meant to matter.

For each of us has ‘attributes’ that are unspoken and unrecognized at face value.   Once we get over the fact that we are all ‘different’.   I don’t mean just the color of our skin, I mean entirely different.   For each of us sees the world through different eyes, and in those eyes are the perspective that  contributes to who we are.   Absolutely!   Yes, our station in life is a factor as well.   But, sometimes we meet people purely by accident, and discover we connect!   What a feeling!   Sometimes it is temporary, and sometimes its a friendship that lasts forever.

Whatever brings two parties together, it is good to remember that all things work together for those who love God.  In other words there are no accidents with God.  He has a reason!  From the smallest to the greatest!   Sometimes years pass and everything falls into place.   All makes sense.

Yet, the world is full of ‘fakes.’   People who are fickle!   They have to pretend, for they are not real even unto themselves.   It is so true.   I have spoken with some women who have told me that they are on guard and do not allow others to see themselves for who they are!

How sad!   For life is meant to be lived!   The quality of character is such because God deemed it to be so!   We, each of us, are a gift unto each other!   A Blessing!   We are denying ourselves and God the opportunity to utilize us in the best way possible when we deceive others.   In so doing we are indeed cheating ourselves!   Much like a child who cheats in school can not possibly learn if he is not applying himself!

Because persecution and criticism are rampant, many do not ‘share’.   This is the beginning of unhappiness!   Why?    Because a person stifled, cannot grow in character, and mature in wisdom.

Book of Matthew: Chapter 16 verses 24-27   Jesus Speaks

24) Jesus said  to his disciples: “If  man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps.   25) Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.   26) What profit would a man  show if he were to gain the whole world and destroy himself in the process?   What can a man offer  in exchange for his very self?   27) The Son of Man will come with his Father’s  glory accompanied by his angels.   When he does, he will repay each man according to his conduct.”