Who’s Living Rent-Free in Your Head?
“But understand this, that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” 2nd Timothy 3:1-7 ESV
“Character is revealed when pressure is applied.” – Unknown
Time Limit. When I find someone who is difficult or has harmed me, I go ahead and put on the kitchen timer and let myself indulge in my painful thoughts. Then it’s over and I evict them. After all, feelings do need recognition. I think Paul gave Timothy good advice because the people described above will not listen or change and it’s not our responsibility to do for them what they must do for themselves. It stops us from doing the work the Father has appointed us to do.
What about those you can’t avoid? The treacherous employee, the arrogant boss, or the family member swollen with conceit? We grumble, go on and on with our friends, and lose sleep over these toxic members of our lives. They are camping in our heads and hearts rent-free! It is time to pray, research the particular problem, and seek advice. Usually, the ones we have in our lives are lessons but which ones? There’s the rub!
Seek out Biblical characters with similar behaviors. I had major troubles in my youth so the story of Joseph helped me tremendously, as he was abandoned by his brothers and sold into slavery. What helped is Joseph knew life was unfair but relied on the Father to sustain him and to bring good from it. The waiting seems forever!
Bottom Line: Do not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good. Sometimes that means walking away. No drama, no regrets, a little self-reflection and boundary setting, and moving on with the Father’s help. Just because someone doesn’t recognize good doesn’t mean we don’t practice it—and enforce a time limit. “Never waste your time trying to explain who you are to people who are committed to misunderstanding you.”
Musings
“Some people come into your life as blessings. Some come into your life as lessons,” Mother Theresa said. The challenging part is which one. It’s another lesson in growing in Christ.
Prayer
Dear Father,
Other people are in our lives; some are such blessings and the lessons ones, they’re challenging. It’s easy to thank you for the loving people but the hurtful, deceitful, or irreconcilable people are tough. Nobody knows this better than Your Son. Help us focus on You, talk to You, and hold to your promises with difficult people.
Amen.
Prayers and Musings of a Black Sheep 