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FAMILIARITY
Familiarity refers to a state of knowing something or someone too well due to constant closeness or a long-lasting relationship. While it's not inherently negative to be familiar with something or someone, it can be dangerous when we become overly familiar with something that may harm us over time.
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FAMILIARITY AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARNING NEW THINGS AND GROWING
On the flip side, familiarity can also foster positive relationships and lead to receiving favour or blessings from others. It can serve as a gateway to learning new things and personal growth. For instance, being familiar with "#Hiveblockchain" and its operations can help you seize opportunities related to it. Similarly, establishing a relationship with an expert in a field you're passionate about can facilitate your learning and development in that area.
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FAMILIARITY A GIFT OF ACCESS
Familiarity offers the gift of access. If, for instance, your father holds a high position, your familiarity with him gives you direct access without having to go through the usual bureaucratic processes. Similarly, as a security guard, you may open doors for people you are familiar with, as you know their capabilities and limitations. Conversely, unfamiliarity may lead you to close doors, not because of personal dislike, but because of a lack of knowledge about the individuals involved.
Familiarity can be a decisive factor in determining the course of one's life. It influences the way we speak about something, whether positively or negatively.
Through personal familiarity, one may gain insights that can open doors to new opportunities and propel them to higher levels. Conversely, a lack of familiarity can result in missed recommendations and hinder progress.
FAMILIARITY A LINK TO RECOMMENDATIONS
Personal recommendations based on familiarity can significantly impact one's life. For example, I owe my current job to a recommendation from my mentor, who was familiar with my capabilities and potential. This recommendation propelled me to a new level of fulfilment and success. It's essential to recognize that reaching the pinnacle of success often requires a supportive network and expertise in a particular field.
No one can get to the top of life without having a ladder to climb.
That ladder could be your solid relationship.
That ladder could be your expertise on a particular thing.
That ladder could be your kindness sowed some years ago.
These could be the key factors that you are familiar with.
THE UNFAMILIAR GOD
The concept of an unfamiliar God is also worthy of consideration. Many people practice religion without truly understanding the divine being they worship. Just like the Athenians in the Bible who worshipped an "UNKNOWN GOD," many individuals today are deeply religious but lack a deep understanding of their beliefs.
Acts.17.22- 23: So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. "It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. (MSB)
for as I was walking along I saw your many altars. And one of them had this inscription on it--' To an UNKNOWN GOD.' You have been worshipping him without knowing who he is, and now I wish to tell you about him. (KJV)
Being religious does not automatically equate to knowing or understanding God. It's akin to a son who has never known his father and consequently imagines every man he encounters to be his father. Similarly, hearing that God is a spirit doesn't guarantee understanding of the true nature of God.
From the beginning, God sought a close relationship with humanity, desiring to be known and to foster a deep fellowship. This relationship is epitomized in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, through whom God became familiar to humanity in a tangible form.
Jesus Christ represents the God who is unknown to many, yet seeks to be known and to establish a close bond with all
FAMILIARITY: THE DANGER OF OVERFAMILIARITY
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OVERFAMILIARITY:ITS PERILS
It's also important to understand the concept of overfamiliarity and its potential consequences. Throughout various accounts in the Bible, we see how overfamiliarity led to missed blessings and unfavourable outcomes. It's crucial to discern the purpose of our familiarity with individuals and circumstances.
Consider the stories of Gehazi, Esther, and the rejection of Jesus Christ by his own people- Israel, making them missed out of the blessings that could have come from Him.
Gehazi missed out on blessings from Elisha due to overfamiliarity, resulting in leprosy.
Esther's ascent to queenhood was influenced by the former queen's overfamiliarity with the king, leading to her dethronement.
In our everyday lives, we also witness how overfamiliarity can lead to adverse consequences.
For instance, an electrician, despite possessing knowledge about electricity, suffered a fatal accident due to overfamiliarity with its hazards.
It serves as a reminder to exercise caution in our relationships and interactions, particularly with those who hold influential roles in our lives. Overfamiliarity has the potential to breed disrespect and negligence, ultimately causing us to miss out on blessings and opportunities.
It's imperative to be mindful of the value that others bring into our lives and to refrain from allowing overfamiliarity to overshadow the significance of those relationships.