| Genesis 1:26 – “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” |
Relationships are messy.
People can be bossy, shady, sketchy, ornery, lazy, crazy, or any other adjective you can compose that ends in “y.”
Where two or more people are gathered, there you will find four or more problems.
But how do you see difficult people? As obstacles or as opportunities?
Even more telling—how do people see you? You may not be the sweet smelling rose you think you are, either.
Nevertheless, great leaders see difficult people though a different lens—not as obstacles, but as opportunities. More importantly, followers of Jesus see replicas of the image of God (Genesis 1: 26).
With difficult people, seeing opportunities rather than obstacles changes things.
· Difficult people present opportunities to serve (The most frustrating people covet a universal need—to feel valued. Every person needs to feel like they matter. Truthfully, the most difficult people feel the least valuable. Make others matter and you will serve in transformative ways.)
· Difficult people present opportunities to influence (Difficult people don’t have a desire to remain that way. Even though they’ll likely never admit it, they’re desperate for someone to show them a better way to live. What a chance to turn the course of someone’s life!)
· Difficult people present opportunities to learn (It doesn’t matter how accomplished, successful, or distinguished you think you are, you can always learn from others. By spending time with those you wouldn’t choose to spend time with, you gain important experience for navigating life. Everyone has something to offer—even that thorn in your side.)
· Difficult people present opportunities to encourage (Everyone is dealing with something. Everyone has baggage they’re carrying. Everyone has wounds that haven’t yet healed. Through an encouraging word or smile, difficult people can turn into delightful people. They probably don’t want to be in a bad mood. Life has just put them there. You can help pull them from their own mud.)
This week, you will undoubtedly deal with difficult people. Others may say the same about you. But when you see them as opportunities rather than obstacles, relationships deepen, and lives change.
Give it a try and see what happens. The “opportunities” will thank you.
- Jacob Hawk
