Treating People Right

The more I allow the Hoy Spirit to examine my heart the more I realize that I need a constant re-calibration in the way I view people. It is just too easy to be sinner with people.

Here are a few things the Spirit is teaching me.

1) I am much more arrogant than I realize.

This comes out in my expectations of people.  I have a tendency to expect people to treat me in the way that I think I deserve.  I expect people to live up to my spiritual expectations. When they don't fit into m expectations it is too easy for me to get to thoughts like "why can't they get what I am saying?", "What is their deal?".  Notice how much "me" and "I" is in that! DANG!

Check out Phil. 2:1-11, Rom. 12:3

2) I need to be more thankful for the people that are in my life.

There are some amazing people in my life that have loved me for a long time.  I am always thankful but I do not express that to them enough.  This week I talked with two men who have really loved me well even when things were pretty messed up in my life. There are also so many people whom God is allowing me to walk with and help in their journey.  I do not deserve to have the place in their lives that I have.  They are all a gift of God and they need to hear that from me more!

Check out 1 Thess. 2:19-20, and Phil. 1:3-11

3) I need to verbally praise and encourage people more.

As a leader it is too easy to be more about what people do than who people are.  I can move from one task or thing to next without much stopping and just telling people how much I love them and how well they are doing.  That is pretty bad. People need to hear that they are doing ok, that they are making a difference, that they are loved, that they are appreciated.  They need to hear me, in front of other people, affirm them.

Check out Hebrews 3:13 and Hebrews 10:24, Phil 2:19-30 (Paul is bragging on Timothy)

There is a lot more that He is teaching me.  I really just need more of the Holy Spirit.  I need the kingdom to come in my relationships.