Avoiding Poisonous Relationships
By Dr. Robert J. Watkins
“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you…” ~ I Thes 5:12
Many people have asked me; how does God answer prayer? Simply put, God answers prayer through relationships. However, there are poisonous predators whose mission in life is to stop you from succeeding. Let’s talk about to how to avoid them.
A person who has high-quality, spirit-led relationships will always receive validation of their purpose, steer clear of distractions and increase in personal peace. In successful business and ministerial relationships, we will see the character of Christ between the two parties which is (1) love, (2) peace, (3) joy, (4) longsuffering, (5) gentleness, (6) meekness, (7) temperance, (8) goodness and (9) faith (see Galatians 5:22-23). If you call a business relationship “a divine relationship”, then I should witness all nine characteristics; this also applies to your secular partnerships. If you don’t have the nine elements in your heart towards a business deal, it is therefore best not pursue it. If jealousy, envy, lying, arguing or distrustful behavior, you can be assured God is in not in the partnership.
So how can you know if a relationship is divine or not? If you can answer YES to the following questions, then it safe to proceed to the next level:
1. Do you know at least three people who can vouch for this person’s character?
2. Do they have something that you don’t presently possess?
3. Are they willing to put their commitment to you in writing?
4. Do you completely understand this person’s motive?
5. Do you have a good exit strategy to get out of the partnership if need be?
Poisonous predators count on you to make an emotion decision. Following your emotions will cause you to lose money and waste time. Do allow your emotions to rule your decision-making process. People will say anything to gain resources from you. Business and contractual relationships are like marriages; they are easy to enter into and difficult to get out of. Marriage is great when you marry the right one and heart-breaking when you make the wrong choice.
When you have a vision from God, both spirit-led relationships and poisonous predators will seek you out. Now you are prepared. This week will be the best week of your life.
*Please feel free to comment, passing on knowledge sent my way*
Posted By: WILLIAM W. HEMMANS III
Wednesday, April 12th 2006 at 12:32PM
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