Who’s the Vampire?

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Sometimes we need to clean house in our relationships. Christians often misinterpret what it means to love others. Loving others does not mean allowing them to deter you from God’s plan for your life. It’s important that we take inventory- who are the ones that are cheering you on and who are the ones leading you astray with their own perceptions and wrong mind-sets? Who do you confide in? Who is your first line of defense when facing anything challenging? Is Jesus your first response or your last resort?

These are questions we all need to be asking ourselves when surrounding ourselves with others because we are the company we keep. Scripture says walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Sometimes the people we love just need time to catch up but until then here are 5 characteristics to avoid in all of your relationships.

The Cooler

They want you to be lukewarm in all areas of your life. They may tease you for how serious you take your relationship with God. They do not want you to be on fire for God or much less anything else that will add value and significance to your life. Think about the story of Noah and the sacrifices he made for his family. God told Noah to build an Ark when he was 480 years old. There had been no rain, people thought he was completely crazy but Noah obeyed God. The Ark was the largest ship in history until around the 1800’s A.D. God told Noah to make a ship that would have over 101,000 square feet of floor space. Because it was built on the 1.6 ratio (50 cubits:300 cubits) modern naval architecture reveals it is the most stable for ocean going vessels (it will not flip over). God gave Noah a time line in order to give humans a chance to repent. Noah was faithful and did not fall to prey to the influence of others. Noah and his family were saved from the great flood and have had a direct impact on humanity as a whole. Do not let others minimize the destiny God has for your life.

The Sprinter

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This person is quick to speak and slow to listen to others. They will give advice but deny responsibility. They very much enjoy gossip and behave like fools. They typically do not come to your aid. There are many people in this world that love to “talk”, especially if they can say something bad whether it be about work, the handyman, friends, or family. People delight about digging up dirt. What exactly constitutes improper speech about others? In the book of Titus, it states, Christians are told to speak evil of NO ONE. Gossip, slander, rumors, revile, talebearer (a person who spreads malicious stories) are all forms of speaking evil. These sprinter types usually deny all responsibility for the harm they cause with their speech. Get control of your speech and your life will follow. Be aware of what those around you are saying. If they are talking about others, chances are they are also talking about you.

The Denier

They pick and choose what they believe from the Bible. They do not live in the light because they are deceived. Do not get side tracked with people who are off track when it comes to the word of God. Pharaoh did not know or have respect for God. “ Who is this Lord?” and “Why should I obey him?” said Pharaoh. God told Moses, “ I will make Pharaoh’s heart stubborn. I will multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt. In spite of that, he still will not listen to you about who I am, so I will use my powerful hand against Egypt. When I judge them with mighty acts, I will bring my people Israel out like an army on the march- Exodus 7:3-4. God made Pharaoh even more stubborn to bring greater victory in the end- to make Himself known. When we do not listen to God, not only do we suffer but our families suffer.

The Feeder

These are people who do not want to cultivate anything for themselves. They do not go after their dreams and feed off of others for their needs. Lazy would be a word that best describes them. God has big plans for all of His children who seek him and obey his word. We are made to work but it is different for each of us. God planted passions and talents inside of us and as we listen to Him, we are to cultivate those areas.“ Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Be willing to work and do not complain because nothing is ever wasted when you collaborate with God. There is a time to work and a time to rest and play.

The Energizer

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These type of people never run out of negativity. You cannot hang out with negative people and have a positive life. They try and crush your dreams and self- esteem with their words and actions. Dismissal is also part of their arsenal. If you mention something exciting, they may play devils advocate with all the reasons til Sunday why something won’t work. There are many stories in the bible of people who thought they were wiser than the Lord. Be aware when someone in your life downplays God’s purpose. The Lord does not care about our ability but our availability. How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked Nor, stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers. But his delights is in the law of the Lord, And in His law, he meditates day and night- Psalm 1:1-2. Nothing is impossible with the Lord.