Four Ways To Handle Those Who “Hate” Our Success
“Jacob heard that Laban‘s sons were saying, ‘Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father.'” Genesis 31:1 (NIV)
When things are going right in our lives, especially financially, people will notice. Some will even have a problem with it. They will wonder why things are working for us and not for them. They will make attempts to find something wrong with our success, hoping to slow it down or stop it completely. Here are some tips to remember when dealing with the “haters” in our lives.
Don’t give them a reason
There is always someone watching. What they see and what they interpret it to mean can be completely wrong. But if everything we do is honest and true, there is nothing to worry about. It cannot come back to harm us. The words may hurt for awhile, but we will prevail in the end. Proverbs 10:9 says, “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” (NIV)
Don’t boast
Jacob was a hard worker and made Laban very successful. When given his turn, his efforts proved profitable for him as well. But Jacob was careful not to flaunt his success or wealth because he knew that the source of his strength was God. Jeremiah 9:23-24 tells us, “This is what the LORD says, ‘Let not … the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me…” (NIV)
Stay focused on the bigger picture
Haters often come in to distract us. If we are not careful, hearing their envy and jealousy can cause us to lose our focus. Our lack of concentration may lead us to make poor decisions that reduce our productivity and success.
Remember, the enemy does not want us to be successful. He knows that God wants to do great works through us. Our efforts can impact large numbers of people, and it can have a domino effect that continues to touch people for generations to come.
Let’s imagine how our circulatory system works. The heart pumps blood throughout the body through arteries. Those arteries travel throughout the body to ensure that blood reaches every area of our body.
Now, imagine if there is a blockage stopping the bloodflow in one of the main arteries. Every minor artery connected to that main artery will no longer receive blood. Every part of the body connected to those minor arteries will no longer be able to function without that source of nourishment.
So, if we lose focus, the enemy has successfully closed off that main artery (us) and impacted the rest of the body that was dependent on it. We cannot give him that kind of power.
Remember the responsibility
As a main artery, we have to remember that we are responsible for others. God has given to us so that we can give to others. John reminded us in 1 John 3:17-18, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (NIV) Can God count on us to be a flowing artery for Him?
Ozeme J. Bonnette is a financial coach, speaker, and author. She began her career at Merrill Lynch, and now works to increase financial literacy. She teaches and speaks to groups and organizations throughout the U.S. She earned 3 Bachelor’s degrees at Fresno State and an MBA at UCLA‘s Anderson School. Find her at http://www.thechristianmoneycoach.com