probably had a situation where someone you trusted let you down, lied to you, betrayed you, or some form of these. Let me give you an example. I was at an event one day where we had to have our photos taken. I was there all day in the hair and makeup room with one other lady. We spent all day getting to know one another, chatting, laughing, and becoming friends. I assumed she was a good honest person.
Well, when it was my turn to go and take photos, I came back to the dressing room, and she had stolen all my gold jewelry. The truth is, people are people, and we're all filled with sin the moment we enter this world. Given the right motivation, people are capable of anything. Look at Judas in the Bible. He had 'good intent' in the beginning. But the right circumstance came, and he was able to carry out the betrayal of the son of God. Now, I'm not suggesting that we live our lives never trusting anyone and assuming that everyone will do us wrong. What I am saying is that we should be very wise and cautious. In Matthew 10:16, the Bible says, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves." We should love people and treat people as we would want to be treated; however, we should always be cautious about who we allow close to us. So, assume that anyone is capable of ill intent but love them anyway and stay attentive.
I recently heard a discussion on the radio about a woman whose dad gave her some great advice at a young age. The suggestion was always to assume good intent. She said it stuck with her throughout her life. The others agreed it was so wise and such great advice to live by. As I was listening, I thought to myself, that’s the dumbest advice ever! Now hear me out. I’m not trying to be cynical. If you’ve lived at least two decades, you’ve
probably had a situation where someone you trusted let you down, lied to you, betrayed you, or some form of these. Let me give you an example. I was at an event one day where we had to have our photos taken. I was there all day in the hair and makeup room with one other lady. We spent all day getting to know one another, chatting, laughing, and becoming friends. I assumed she was a good honest person.
Well, when it was my turn to go and take photos, I came back to the dressing room, and she had stolen all my gold jewelry. The truth is, people are people, and we’re all filled with sin the moment we enter this world. Given the right motivation, people are capable of anything. Look at Judas in the Bible. He had ‘good intent’ in the beginning. But the right circumstance came, and he was able to carry out the betrayal of the son of God. Now, I’m not suggesting that we live our lives never trusting anyone and assuming that everyone will do us wrong. What I am saying is that we should be very wise and cautious. In Matthew 10:16, the Bible says, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” We should love people and treat people as we would want to be treated; however, we should always be cautious about who we allow close to us. So, assume that anyone is capable of ill intent but love them anyway and stay attentive.
