Just some ministry wisdom that I've been pondering for the last couple days.
As the old saying goes, "Birds of a feather, flock together"!
If someone is hanging out with those who are known to be gossiping, slandering, stirring up strife, jealousy, constantly in drama, saying one thing to a person's face and another behind their back...
Sadly, you can pretty much guarantee that person who is hanging out with them, or is "friends" with them, is also going to be like them, and will be doing the same type of things. There is a reason they are drawn to that person, and that is because some of that is in them also. Be aware.
Also, never think that someone is doing those things about everyone else, but isn't about you. If they are gossiping about many others, they are about you also.
Much of this goes on, even in Christian circles and sadly even with those who are in "ministry". I for one refuse to hang out where these things are going on. I would rather be seen on the "outside" of some ministry "clicks", than to be participating in this kind of un-Christlike, and to be honest very immature behavior. I just can't, even if it means I'm seen as on the "outskirts" of some ministry circles.
The Lord has only allowed me (us) to truly connect with a very limited amount of people/ministries lately, and I have found that there is a reason for that. Sometimes I think I'll be connecting in with someone, but I quickly sense that it is not to be, and I discern there are underlying reasons for that. Many times, I become fully aware of exactly why later on.
I am grateful for His protection, and I am even more grateful that He has pulled me away from a lot of relationships that would have not been in my best interest in the long run.
I just wanted to remind some of you that may need to hear it...sometimes you don't always understand why you don't feel to connect fully to someone, but don't forget to look at who they are connected to and why they are connected to them. Birds of a feather flock together. You can tell a lot about people by who they are connected or associated with. đŠđŠđŠ
Also remember to look at what people do more than what they say. Actions speak much louder than words, even when it comes to those who claim to be "ministers". đ
Amanda Shiflett ~ Prophetic Reformer
"A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends." -Proverbs 16:28
"..I, brothers and sisters, could not speak to you as spiritual people, but only as fleshly, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to consume it. But even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like ordinary people?" - 1 Corinthians 3:1â-âŹ3
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals.'" ~ 1 Corinthians 15:33