FORGET THE BIG HEAD, HAVE A BIG HEART
There is a saying that a poor man has no behaviour of his own. It is believed that the true personality (behaviour) of a poor man is revealed when he is rich. In church, there is this “churchy” behaviour that we put on; we are so humble to an extent that we make people feel ‘oh this is a kind and humble Christian’. Of course this ought to be. But away from the church, who do people see you and I to be? How do you relate with the next person to you who is less privileged in terms of finance?
Once some people are blessed financially, statements like ‘I don’t know him, he is not my type, we are not in the same calibre etc’ comes out of their mouth. They see the poor and less privileged as a slave. Their words to them becomes cruel and harsh.
THANK GOD, THE ALMIGHTY who owns the earth is not a man.
Someone wrote “The power that comes from speaking a kind word, writing a kind note, or giving a kind touch can not be measured.” It is one of the indispensable keys to having a good and peaceful relationship with our neighbours. Some people’s behaviour is bigger than their title, social status or their riches.
Some believe that being harsh, behaving like they are on top of the world gives them the respect and power they desire. The power and respect you desire comes when you treat others (be it your neighbour, husband/wife, children and even our housemaid/help) kindly.
It happened that I was made the head of a group by virtue of my academic status I thought to myself power and respect are in my reach. I exercised the power and demanded for respect. It wasn’t easy all the way because I had to show my ego. Then I watched a colleague heading another group. He played with them, joke with them and kindly told them what to do. To my surprise, what I’ve been sweating to achieve, the guy achieved with ease. These people respected him so much that they even do things before they were told. Then I realised that respect can only be commanded and not demanded.
Brethren, do you know that your housemaid could do house chores without you shouting or sweating? The respect that you desire from your neighbour or wife could be achieved by being kind to them?
