Have You Identified the "But" in You That Can Sabotage Your Life?
Image credit: quotemaker
Person 1: “Excuse me, have you seen my neighbor recently? I’m trying to find her.”
Person 2: “Oh, you mean the one who was arrested for embezzlement? Yeah, she’s been all over the news lately.”
Person 3: “What! No, I had no idea. That’s terrible.”
Person 4: “Yeah, it's really sad. I hope she gets the help she needs.”
The above dialogue represents what we’ll be talking about today. I’m so glad to write about this because I feel this message is so critical in shaping our lives, and I'm even blessed to hear this message from the youth class today. I was touched by it so I decided to share it.
In life, one of the worst things that can happen to you is, after wearing a white, shiny, classy, expensive t-shirt because you are going out for a board meeting and you have to make a presentation.
You get to the meeting and make your presentation, which you deliver with such finesse, “but” you unknowingly leave an impression.
The impression you left was that you were dirty. Your white shirt was stained with oil, and you couldn't change it.
No matter how much good you’ve done in life, no matter how much success you’ve acquired, or how big your name is, one “but” is enough to ruin everything.
There are examples of biblical characters who were icons and had “buts” in their lives that cost them a lot.
Moses, a leader filled with the power and spirit of God who led the children of Israel from bondage could not enter the promised land because he had a “but” and that was anger. His anger issues made him strike the rock, which eventually made God angry, and God punished him for that.
King Solomon was the wisest and richest man earth has ever known. Filled with glory and splendor. People all over the nations come to seek his wisdom and they found no one like him. With all his glory, he had a “but” and no one can mention king Solomon's name without referring to his lust for women that eventually separated him from God.
Judas Iscariot dined with the messiah, Jesus Christ, and was among the 12 apostles that played a key role in christ’s mission on earth. No one can talk about Judas Iscariot without mentioning how he sold the messiah for 30 pieces of silver. This deed wipes out every good thing he has ever done for Jesus Christ.
So, what are your blind spots? Have you identified that “but” in your life, that is capable of ruining your image?
The best way to become a better person is by identifying your blind spots and overcoming them. You do that by paying attention to what:
Friends say about you: Listen to your true friends when they point out your weakness. They love you and they know you better.
Family says about you: Listen to your family members when they point out your bad habits and behavior. They know you better.
Enemies say about you: Your enemies can sometimes spill out your weaknesses, so pay attention when they talk.
Books: When you read good books, you immediately know where you’re falling shot.
Movies: Some films are true life stories that we can learn from. So watch movies that have something to teach you about yourself.
There are three things you shouldn’t do when someone shines the light on your blind spots.
Don’t look at the lifestyle of the person correcting you and measure your wrong with his or hers to prove a point.
Don’t argue with someone when you know that deep within you that person is saying the truth.
Don’t hold grudges against someone for pointing out your blind spots. Simply acknowledge your mistakes and set out to re-create yourself.
Conclusively, no matter what your “buts” are, if you’re willing, you can make a turnover and re-create your life. You can always right your wrongs. Don't turn a blind eye to your blind spots and sabotage your life.