Good Networks Can Turn into Bad Networks: Bait and Switch – Be Careful.
Believers love to fellowship. It is commanded by God because we grow through supportive relationships. What happens when a good Christian relationship becomes compromised and you are left wondering, what is going on? What should I do? For example, a career promotion you worked hard for turned into a scape goat position. A buddy, professional businessperson, turns into a criminal and asks for your help. Finally, your best friend from childhood, runs off with your spouse and you all three work together. It happens. It starts off good but later it starts going downhill fast with no warning.
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What is a good Christian relationship?
1. Good Network: John 13: 34 KJV 34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
- Do not argue. Respect and trust each other. Agree to disagree without the blame game.
- Each person feels encouraged in God’s Word to live their best life.
- Supports each other by holding each other accountable in ministries with feedback.
- Give Hookups to help in times of need – introductions, referrals, or references.
- Keeps each other informed about information, meetings, news, and events that will affect each other.
2. Bad Network: Galatians 5:26 KJV “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
- You are wondering if you can trust them because they are lying about important things. They said they did not know a person but you found out they were cousins.
- Whispering to others’ secrets. Retelling your confidential conversations. Whispering separates the chiefs of friends.
- You constantly have to make excuses or cover for the other person(s). You are taking all the risks, doing all the work, or paying most of the bills.
- Your network made wrong hookups against your advice and is getting involved in situations or with people you do not care for.
- Your network never knows anything anymore to share that can be of value about meetings, news, and events until after the effect.
3. What do you do about it? Pray and ask God. James 1:5 KJV “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him.”
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Matthew 5:44 KJV “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
Matthew 18:15-17 KJV 15Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him about his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. A publican is a tax collector.
- No Trust. Ask them, why have they changed. An honest conversation can give a new insight. If you can have proof, it will help you analyze the situation.
- Loose lips sink ships. Be careful what you say to them. Treat them as a long-handled spoon.
- You find that lately, you are always the encouraging one and no interest is ever returned. Stop encouraging. Let them sense the change.
- Your network is inviting the wrong connections. Hold them accountable. If they try to get you involved in a mess- walk away.
- I don’t know. Examine why they are saying it and take responsibility. If you find no fault with yourself, then accept this network is no longer a network or connection for you. They do not want you to succeed.
We all want to walk in the faith with good friends and a good network. There are times discernment is necessary because people change, and sometimes, it is no one’s fault. Help them if you can but remember everything is a choice. Do not allow them to compromise your relationship with God by making you a person that is not Christ-like: angry, frustrated, anxious, lawless, backstabbing, and stressed out. Oftentimes, we turn into what we hate. It is important not to hate.
Romans 12:19 KJV “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
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Romans 10:17 KJV “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
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CALL TO SALVATION:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.