"Disarming Excuses"

The Holy Scriptures declare, “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing” (Proverbs 20:4). I witness people everyday who refuse to take control of their destiny because they choose to arm themselves with excuses. Excuses will deny any individual the results they desire for their life.

Most people should be familiar with an alarm system. When an alarm system is armed it provides security and a defense for individuals and/or property. When we, as a people, arm ourselves with excuses, it gives us a sense of security. This security keeps most people from being stretched to the next chapter of their lives. 

The sluggard represents one who puts things off; a procrastinator or someone who puts things on hold. They plan to get it done eventually; however, not just now! This is a position of which  so many find themselves. Being catatonic will keep one from progressing and moving forward. This sluggard spirit will be unresponsive, in a state of paralysis, or immobile. So many have lost the drive to go on. Many have lost the determination and momentum to bounce back and recover. Could it be that they have eaten the diet of adversity? Adversity can put you in a state of being unresponsive. Therefore, never allow adversity to persuade you that where you are right now is all there is. I say to you that there is so much more.

Never be afraid to leave what is cold in your life. Cold speaks of a season in which we all have. By reason of the cold the sluggard will not plow. What is your excuse for not working for yourself? What is your excuse for not pursuing your dreams? Are you trapped in the cycle of laziness which makes anyone unwilling to work? Laziness will sap you of life and enthusiasm. Proverbs 10:4 states, “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich”. Ultimately, when harvest comes that person will  have nothing and will be reduced to a beggar.

Life was not created for begging! It was created for possessing! Jesus came so that we could “have life and have life more abundantly”, according to John 10:10. Once you free yourself from excuses you will began to develop momentum to thrive!

"CONFLICT RESOLUTION"

CONFLICT RESOLUTION:
A biased mentality automatically disqualifies a person from counseling married couples and other relationships! With many corrupted counselors, certain protocol should be enacted. Do not allow yourself to be influenced by one side of the story. This is a deal breaker! Never talk to one party and conceal it from the other; this becomes a red flag. Remember, it is not about you, it is about the people being counseled. This demonstrates trustworthiness.  Keep in mind, however, that people will often exaggerate or neglect to reveal all the facts. This is done to persuade your sound judgement.
Convene a meeting where both parties are present. During this meeting encourage the parties to reveal to the other what was shared with you in private and never play one side against another. Avoid gathering information for your personal gain. As a mediator, keep yourself honest and driven by integrity. The plethora of issues discussed is a diversion from the root of the problem. Once the root is exposed, establish a method for healing. Your objective must not be to exacerbate turmoil but to de-escalate tension.
Personally, I have learned to never allow myself to be placed in a compromising position where the parties trust is broken from one who should serve as a purveyor of godly counsel. Furthermore, once the healing is executed, the counselor does not want to be seen as the enemy.
So many couples become the victims of a cover up in the name of counseling, coaching and mediation. Not everyone who counsels is capable. Find someone who has the best interest of both parties. The focus should be ‘restoration’ and ‘resolution’. Learn to keep people out of your affairs. Never kill someone with your words and then choose to stay with them. Professional counseling should never be off the table. We as leaders must be committed to the oath to which we have affirmed and we should never disclose the privacy of those being counseled.