Wolves
Every now and then, you meet someone who appears genuine and leaves a good impression. You befriend them and things seem cool for awhile, until they have a wardrobe malfunction and the sheep’s clothing falls off. You just learned this person you called a friend was never that. You’re hurt and disappointed. You’re relationship was an elaborate lie, drummed up by someone who should be considered for an Oscar for best Supporting Actor or Actress. The fallout leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth and unwilling to befriend another individual as quickly.
Sound familiar?
If not, consider yourself one of the fortunate ones who’s obviously a very good judge of character. As intelligent as I consider myself, I have been fooled by some of the best, even recently. It’s hurtful, because I really do love hard and my friends know that I would give them the shirt off my back simply because when they hurt, I hurt.
The lesson I’m forced to learn all over again is not everyone who tries to or succeeds in entering your space has your best interest at heart. Not everyone loves you like you love them.
Earlier this year, I entered a particularly rough season of financial struggles which God allowed me to go thru. During this time, I began to shed people in my life. Now I know the struggle was for my good. God was purging people who meant me no good. You see, fair-weather friends don’t stick around for storms. I knew that much, but it was still hard letting go of people I’ve known for so many years.
A little more than a month ago, I did a piece recently on “The Wisdom In Ignorance.” To this day, I have trouble reconciling some in leadership positions. These so-called men/women of God who are some of the best preachers, choir directors, praise and worship leaders, etc., will burn a house down smoking weed, drink you under a table, steal money out the offering basket, get their groove on at your local club, head to an orgy afterwards, then get up at church the next day and swear it’s in Jesus’ name.
I’ve met some of them right here in Atlanta. I’ve sung on the same programs with many of them. They’re generally some of the most high profile musicians, singers, preachers within the Atlanta Circuit (as I call it). …blows my mind when I think of it. Anyone who’s been reading my blogs over the years, knows I don’t profess to be perfect, but hey, even I have limits.
The burden of leadership is that you are put on a pedestal. People look up to you and when you disappoint them, it can potentially mess them up for good, particularly those who are not strong in the faith. This is why leadership should not be taken lightly. The influence you have can be life changing, for better or for worse.
At the risk of being called the pot, I refrain from saying too much about or revealing the kettle’s names. After all, just because I don’t do all the stuff they do doesn’t make me any better. None of us are perfect, however, I’m convinced some of these leaders don’t have a heart for God at all, which is most troubling. It’s crazy when you can find more Jesus in people that don’t even go to church.
When The Lord comes back, he’s going to send people to hell you assumed were saints. …Lord, please just don’t let it be me.
If you had any idea of the deception that is running rampant within the church you’d have serious trust issues, which is what I’m going thru right now. Still I know it’s better to be in church than it is to be outside. The most important thing to know is that God is still real, despite some so-called followers being fake. Don’t let their lack of a relationship with God stop you from forming one. Wolves in Sheep’s clothing was foretold in the Bible.
Strive to be genuine. There is a real reward for that.
