A Member of the Weasel Family

1 Thessalonians 5:22 - Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Have you ever spoken with someone and you knew they were bluffing? They carried themselves in such a way as to “play the game,” but you really knew they were wasting their time and perhaps your time by not being honest? I’ve been in conversations where I wanted to give out an Academy Award®. Boy, people can act and tell you some seriously extreme stuff! It would be a lot easier on everyone if we would all communicate truthfully. Do you relate to that experience? Maybe a young child afraid to admit the truth. Perhaps an adult unwilling to take personal responsibility? Someone who just can’t acknowledge their actions in an honest manner?

Allow me to speak straight forwardly ~ I don’t perceive myself as playing the ‘game of life’ very well, because I am not attracted to politics and alliances, but you probably know some people who are talented in this manner! I regularly hear stories about work place corruption and relationship predicaments, so I’m convinced I’m not the only one who has found themselves in the wrong situation at the wrong time. Life Moment: Please note that I said talented. Not gifted.  It may sound harsh, but I don’t consider having an agenda and/or the inability to accept personal ownership in a situation as a gift. It can be downright deceptive – and draining on the person who has to listen to the lies, game playing, and excuses. Use caution if you see or experience someone who is a game player! Ask God to help you. Proverbs chapter 4 clearly tells us to avoid the path of the wicked. To turn far from it actually! Don’t just walk away -- sprint!

I had a confrontational experience today – not one I personally initiated – but a situation I had to address in the work place.  About mid-way through this barrage of misinformation, I couldn’t help but think about a badger. Yes, a badger! It is a member of the weasel family. You’ve probably heard that expression, “badgering someone to death.”

A badger is a ferocious creature. They are low to the ground and often not over 30 inches in length. Badgers are notoriously fierce fighters and are known for their long, sharp teeth. They can “put a hurting” on creatures much larger than they are. They’re known for their skills in combat.  However, what their foes may not recognize is the badger’s tremendous ability to bluff! They can also take on a different form, in a manner of speaking. Do you know how a cat or dog’s fur can be rubbed the ‘wrong way?’ You can’t do that with a badger, according to my research. Badgers’ hair can go both ways! {Life Moment: Did that term “both ways” strike a chord? Did you think of someone who plays or played both sides of a situation? Have you ever done this? Be honest!}

 One article I found said, "A badger’s hair is so thick and supple that another animal cannot get a good grip on it. It’s one reason the badger is known as one of the greatest escape artists! It is also a bright little creature making its home in the rocks and crevices in the forest. They will avoid a conflict by running back to their den if possible."  Go figure, for a creature that is a king among fighters! Their first line of defense is to run.

This is a good time to examine ourselves – to ask youself some tough questions.

·         Is your tendency to be straight forward or to bluff?

·         Do you camouflage what you really think and/or who you really are?

·         Are you overly confrontational?

·         Do you “play the game” to get ahead of others?

·         Do you actively practice prayer and listening skills during adverse times?

·         Does your pastor know the REAL you? Your spouse? Your BFF?

·         Do you “fight” fairly? Do you “badger” someone until you get your way?

·         Do you teach your kids to live with accountability?

·         Did you develop the habit of “making excuses” at an early age?

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable…with a spouse, a close Christian friend, but most importantly with God. You don’t have to pray long, structured, religious, formal prayers! Just speak from your heart. We must be honest with God and ourselves – it’s where spiritual growth begins. You cannot bluff God! Ever. Pray sincerely. Truthfully.

Oh, in my case from earlier today, after a brief prayer, I sent the badger back home!

Look UP my friends!