You are being followed. SUSPICION IS GOOD.
Someone is feeding you “a line.” SUSPICION IS GOOD.
You are listening to a “Bible teacher” and something just doesn’t sound right. SUSPICION IS GOOD.
You get one of those “too good to be true” phone calls or see a “too good to be true” offer on TV. SUSPICION IS GOOD.
Example after example could be given for times when suspicion is good. We might like to call it skepticism “discernment” when we talk about spiritual things, but no matter what you call it, it still comes under suspicion. Truth be told: not all suspicion is bad. In our area, a co-ed has been missing for several months now. Suspicion has been thrown on all sorts of people…for good reason. (You might want to take a moment and pray for the Lauren Spierer family).
But to be honest, I don’t know that I have ever had suspicion thrown on me like I have recently. No, I am not being investigated by NCIS (although I wouldn’t mind meeting Ziva) 🙂 Bones is not making Spencer her base of operations. As far as I know my mind is not criminal. No…it is another kind of suspicion.
MOTIVE. SUSPICION.
“WHY. ARE. YOU. DOING?” THIS. TYPE. OF. SUSPICION.
“WHAT. DO. YOU. HOPE. TO. ACCOMPLISH. WITH. THIS?” SUSPICION
Sure, I have had my motives questioned before, but never for wanting to come by and visit someone. Recently, a traumatic event in the life of someone has loomed large. It has caused doubts, questions. In an attempt to minister to both family and patient, I visited and prayed at appropriate times. With the okay that I visit again, I made plans to do so. When I called to make an appointment (I didn’t want to just drop in), I was faced with a question I am not sure I have ever been asked before in over 38 years of ministry: “I am wondering what you hope to accomplish by coming by.” My answer was simple: “How about just being a friend?” But the suspicion was evident in his voice. I also told him that by being his friend, I was also being a better friend to the rest of the family. (Details sketchy on purpose).
That, my friends, is called looking for a hidden agenda. Honestly, as a Christ-follower first, and a pastor second, my “agenda” should always be to show Jesus. But while I may be a pastor (shepherd), I am not a preacher (think “grab-you-around-the-neck-for-the-evangelistic-smackdown” kind). He needs a friend. Shoot, we all do. Needless to say, I did not go by for a visit. But…maybe someday when life, or death, has him by the throat, he will remember my offer of friendship and say, “Hey Bill. This is ________. Remember when you said you wanted to be my friend? I sure could use one right now.” Seeds planted today take some growing while being watered.
Have you been suspicious of a hidden agenda? Have you ever been the victim of someone’s suspicion? Let me hear from you. Oh, did I do the right thing backing off?
I hear you. I ask myself that too often
Sometimes there is a fine line isn’t there? Your challenges are ahead of you Michael. You will make wise decisions because of your relationship with Jesus. Thanks.
Hi Bill,
I’m off to work this morning. At my age I get to work for no benefits, no sick days, and 4% holiday pay paid with my 2 week salary. I’m also designated a temporary employee with a one year contract.
This is not the agreement offered to the younger women that were hired with me. It’s a good thing that God looks after me. Talk to you later. I will get back to you after work.
When you get back here: hope you had a good day at work Linda. Doesn’t sound like a good arrangement but I reckon it is better than nothing. Is this Canada’s idea of temp workers or semi-retirement? (Obviously I don’t know your age). 🙂 See you after work.
Hi Bill,
My first day at work was ok. It was a training day today. The student with disability that I will be working with this school year comes in on Tuesday. I am off work now for the next few days.
I will be working 30 hours a week. Perfect for me. I found out today that if I am employed by the same special needs school for another year after this one, I will be offered health benefits of some kind at that time. Works for me!
Many non-professional employers in Alberta hire mostly part time staff and lots of them. By staffing their business in this way they do not have to provide any benefits for employees themselves.
I was asked to obtain a criminal record check from the RCMP (police) for my job application. They asked me to provide my fingerprints. I’ve never had any fingerprinting done before. I felt like a suspect. It wasn’t a nice feeling.
If it feels right to acknowledge or greet this person when you see him or some family member out and about I think that would be ok. I think that trust has to be built. This suspicion may be a temporary thing until he is more comfortable.
Hope you have a good weekend Bill. Talk to you later.
Yes, I have been under suspicion, at the job I USED to work at. It cast a BIG shadow on me and was eventually a big part of the reason I left. One of the people I worked with just made my life miserable there so I couldn’t stay any longer. It broke my heart, as I loved that job. AND, the suspicion was NOT CORRECT…..
You just stated the problem with most suspicion, Pinky, it is not correct. It is usually unfounded gossip or preconceived ideas. Sorry you had to leave the job you loved. Thanks.
To go or to back off…
I used to be consumed by worry in what others think of me. Some roots of that are still there but God is thankfully weeding my garden 🙂
I was then introduced to peace. Pursuing His peace in all that I do. If the idea of visiting this person in the hospital brings peace, then go. If there is tension, stay back. But it is a God-given peace, not a I’m avoiding conflict peace. God-given peace is present in all things…even in a storm.
like your honesty Bill.
I have peace about my decision Craig. I feel bad that he is that way though. Thanks for the encouraging words.
I blame it on my shifty eyes and narrow forehead.
All you can do is trust God and His leading to offer yourself to others. Some people have so much baggage that they cannot look at someone who is genuinely caring and wanting to offer aid without thinking they have something up their sleeve.
Shake the dust off your sandals and move on!
Already have DJ. Love that first line! 😛 Thanks for coming by.
I really don’t like when people suspect I have a hidden agenda when I don’t have any. It makes me feel uncomfortable. My aunt does that a lot.
Hard to deal with sometimes Mercy, especially when you might be a trustworthy person. But keep your cool. Prove them wrong. Thanks.
I worked in journalism for over 20 years. Everyone has ulterior motives even if they don’t realize it at the time. 🙂
Reckon I have to agree with you Jason to some extent. He just doesn’t realize he needs a friend. maybe some day. Thanks for the comment.
Andy Stanly has a great talk on Trust vs. Suspicion. It’s for teams who work together but there are principles in the talk that apply to marriage, and other relationships. Good thoughts today my friend. I think you made the right call.
Thanks Rob for the info and for the encouragement.
For some reason I have always had a suspicious mind for others. Always looking for the hidden agenda behind their actions.Not to rain on one’s parade, but I have been thrown in front of a bus too many times over the years.
Being careful is okay Larry. Caution is necessary. Thanks. Hope you have a great weekend.
Hope that someday he’ll realize your intentions were pure. I know they were. 🙂 Good of you to reach out to him, even if he didn’t accept your offer.
Thanks quarterheeb. Just for that favorable comment you earn Monday off. 😛