Driven Career

Luke 3: ¹⁴ And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

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“Be cool” was the thought that ran through my mind as the negotiations continued. The opposition was trying to play hardball and I had to do the same. In order to get more money, I may need to flex my power to show them who is really in charge.

• There were times when I thought intimidation was the key to success.
• There were times when I thought getting “tougher” was best for “my” career.
• There were times when I thought climbing the ladder meant taking others down so I could make more money.

Soldiers of certain leaders would not only protect their king, but would sometimes hurt people to take their money, falsely accuse people in order to take their homes and grouse about how little they made in wages. John saw through their question with the aid of the HOLY SPIRIT. His message speaks to me.

• GOD wants me to desire to have peace with people.
• GOD wants me to use my power for grace and mercy versus violence and intimidation.
• GOD wants me to be content with my wages knowing HE is the one who sustains me.

Wow! Everything in this passage seemed to go against what the “successful” people would tell me. I mean those who would tell me to “get tough” are the same people who would tell me I would never have “enough” money. BUT GOD says something different.

GOD wants me to be tough enough to stand up for those who are wronged. HE desires that I trade in my intimidation for compassion. When I get paid for my services, HE wants me to be excited rather than in a constant state of complaint. HE wants me in a state of grace and peace.

• Are you discontent?
• Do you have a complaint about where GOD has you?
• Can you ask GOD for peace with people and contentment for where HE has you?

Bargaining for the Right Terms

Jeremiah 11: ³ Tell them that this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Cursed is the one who does not obey the terms of this covenant— ⁴ the terms I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt, out of the iron-smelting furnace.’ I said, ‘Obey me and do everything I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God. ⁵ Then I will fulfill the oath I swore to your ancestors, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey’—the land you possess today.”

I answered, “Amen, Lord.”

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Negotiating had become a skill. As a contract was placed in front of me, I could quickly assess where the terms and conditions could change or be removed completely. In a shrewd way I gained popularity. When problems hit, I turned this perceptive methodology on GOD. “Didn’t I serve YOU once ten years ago? Remember?”

• There have been times when I tried to bargain for my terms with GOD.
• There have been times that I told GOD how much “I” was doing for HIM.
• There have been times I tried to negotiate with GOD, impress GOD or flatter HIM into looking over my sinful ways.

“Maybe GOD won’t see the sin I’m doing if I do stuff for HIM” was my attitude that I fooled myself into believing. GOD wasn’t buying it. HE wanted me to be naked in front of HIM and others.

• GOD wants me to stop bargaining for myself and accept HIS path for me.
• GOD wants me to stop scheming to get “my” way and learn to settle down and accept HIS way.
• GOD wants me to stop complaining about where HE has me and praise HIM for what HE “is” doing for me.

Obedience seems like such a harsh word when I am pulling away. I mean why should I “obey” when I am not getting “my” way?  GOD gently tells me that I will get my way when I align it to “HIS way.” When I stop doing the evil in my heart and follow HIM, HE gives me all “the things” I need and desire. HE tells me I am already in the land of milk and honey so I should be a good steward of it while I can. I answered “Amen LORD.”

• Are you bargaining with GOD?
• Have you told GOD how “good” you have been?
• Can you stop trying to manipulate HIM and serve HIM with all your heart?