“All my life I've been charmed by his speech, never dreaming he'd turn on me. His words, which were music to my ears, turned to daggers in my heart.” (Psalm 55:21 MSG)
We all tend to choose to be with people who make us feel good--who are fun, fair, and bring out the best in us. Many of us also cultivate relationships where we hope to get more than we give--even though we would never admit this to be the case. This is so common, that we have accepted it as normal. However, there is a small segment of people whose motives are more sinister. For them, the primary goal of every relationship is personal gain. They will manipulate almost all of the people they encounter to advance themselves. Even the people who are closest to them--their spouses, their children, their relatives, and their best friends will all be seen as tools to serve their own agenda. In order to get ahead, they will step on the backs of anyone who will allow it. Even their generosity is not free. They rarely give of themselves without expecting exorbitant interest in return. All their relationships are for-profit. Watch Out! Steer Clear!
These slick-tongued hypocrites can be quite charming. They know what to say and how to influence people. They set their traps early and wait patiently for their prey. They lure their victims with flattery, gifts, and attention. They hide daggers of deception under their smooth exterior cloaks. They pretend to be concerned for your welfare, but they only care about themselves. They do not wish for your success, but for you to aid them in their success. Watch Out! Steer Clear!
I cannot help but think of our political leaders on both sides of the borders of USA and Canada.
ReplyDeleteLord let the givers of caring be greater than the takers. Protect those of us who do believe in you instead of those who say they do and then turn around and act in ways that defy the 10 Comandments with deceit.