Set Up For Success

 

Set Up For Success

Romans 11: ¹⁶ If the first piece of bread is given to God, then the whole loaf is his also; and if the roots of a tree are offered to God, the branches are his also. ¹⁷ Some of the branches of the cultivated olive tree have been broken off, and a branch of a wild olive tree has been joined to it. You Gentiles are like that wild olive tree, and now you share the strong spiritual life of the Jews. ¹⁸ So then, you must not despise those who were broken off like branches. How can you be proud? You are just a branch; you don't support the roots—the roots support you.

 

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Blame the last person for the mess so the new person could look like the hero, was the normal habit at this particular company. I got into the position and everything seemed to be falling apart. People were blaming “my” department and I considered using the deflection tactic.

 

• There were times when I wanted to blame someone else for the mess I was in.
• There were times when I wanted to set someone up for failure so I could succeed.
• There were times when I wanted to show how wrong someone else was so I could look right.

 

Paul spoke about GOD’s currency, namely people. He uses two analogies; one about bread and the other about olive trees. In both analogies, Paul explains that everything is GOD’s. If a group of people are given to GOD then the entire tribe is also given to HIM. If a group has been adopted into the family, those adopted should not despise the family members who left the family.

 

• GOD wants me to recognize I am accepted by HIM only because of HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to understand that all of us have gone astray so I must be humble because HE brought me back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to show love to those who are pursuing religion versus believing in JESUS as the Savior.

 

Setting people up for success means not speaking badly about them. I mean, I must look at my own sins and avoid pointing out someone else’s. I am a sinner and the only reason I can even speak JESUS’ name is because HE pursued me when I was not looking for HIM.

 

I have nothing to be proud of. My righteousness is like a pile of poop. I am grateful I can point to JESUS whose righteousness cleans all who believe.

 

• Are you looking at someone, thinking they are not following GOD correctly?
• Do you have a problem with the way someone sings, speaks or preaches about GOD?
• Will you get rid of your pride and be thankful JESUS is your Savior so HE can clean your heart to share in the “strong spiritual life” today?