Human Beings Are Users

It had been a real hectic weekend, packed with activities and a lot of running up and down. The turn out was impressive and everyone who attended had a positive remark about the venue, refreshments, quality of the presentation. In short, it was such a great success. However, Emmanuel was exhausted, upset and almost bitter, he felt used and it was just so difficult to place his finger on the exact reason for being upset. He mumbled a few lines of prayer and said, "well, that is it, I do not want to be a part of this organization anymore".   It is very easy to give up especially when you have labored and it seems your effort is not being recognized or rewarded. How many times have you left family functions with thoughts of "I do not want to be a part of any joint function going forward" because of the way your were treated or because you felt belittled? How about your involvement as a volunteer or your church group, women's society, secular world etc. "There almost is no difference the way people use others for their purpose" you may think.   Yes it is quite discouraging and you wonder why bother? God knows and He sees and He speaks directly to our hearts whenever we are at our wits end. Your in-laws that were always flocking around your husband have grown up and they do not need help or assistance anymore, therefore you do not hear from them. You knew the sacrifice you had to make to ensure all things were held together when he was supporting them and now you feel used because they do not even bother giving you a call. When your phone rings and you see the number of the chairman of your committee, you know there is an errand he/she needs you to run, once the program is over, you do not hear from him/her anymore.   It hurts and it makes doing good challenging. However, it is important to always check why we do good... Do I do the things I do for recognition, do those things improve my sense of self worth? Do I do them because they bring popularity and people just call my name and tell me how wonderful I am? If any of my reasons does not stem from the fact that it is unto the Lord, then, I can not be free from disappointment and hurt. Once the issue of why is settled, there will be no chance for hurt or disappointment.   2 Thessalonians 3:13 NKJV "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good".   The last time your mother in-law was around, you knew the things you did to make her comfortable, the errands you ran and all you do to ensure she felt at home. When your own mother came visiting you know the kind of attitude your spouse put up and it was very annoying, you have vouched "never again will his/her own mother enjoy such care again". Remember, if you decide to give an eye for an eye, there will a whole lot of blind people around. If you lose your personality because you are dealing with an ingrate, you will no longer be YOU by the time an appreciative person comes along. You would have lost the essence of what God called you to be/do.    My Prayer: Lord renew my strength in you, realign my focus so that I will not lose the essence of my being in the face of trials.