On....Three Types of People

"Anybody can be with you in the castle, but you ought to
thank God for people who will be with you in your cave!"
Dr. E. Dewey Smith

Sometimes the most important revelations are the hardest to grasp, but when you do, it brings a peace that cannot be compared. One of the greatest, yet most difficult revelations was introduced to me in 2011. I am forever grateful for the Brother who shared it with me!!

There are 3 types of people that will come into your life. Whether it be into your family, your work, or your Church, you will encounter these three types of people. Read the Life of David and you will see that he encountered all three of these types.

1. CONFIDANTS  These are the people that are FOR YOU. They are close to you.  They love you!  When you get into trouble they will be right beside you. If you go down...they will go down with you. When you hurt, they hurt with you.  When you cry, they cry with you. When you laugh, they laugh with you. They want you to succeed.  They encourage you. They never degrade you or your dreams. Sometimes they get in your face but always in a positive way.  They have no other agenda but to see your dreams and agenda fulfilled.  When you do bad they will put their arm around you and comfort you. They will never discourage you. They love your vision. They love YOU!! They are FOR YOU!! Every Pastor, every boss, every husband needs Confidants!! From a church perspective, pastoring is so much easier when you pastor a Confidant!! Because they are FOR YOU!! 

The test to see: The next time something goes wrong in your life and you're in trouble, look around you and see who is beside you.

2. CONSTITUENTS  These people are NOT for you. They are FOR WHAT YOU ARE FOR. As long you are for what they are for they will stay with you.  If that ever changes, they will be gone in a heartbeat!  If someone comes along (example: another Pastor) with a bigger vision, they will drop you and follow them.  Be careful when you tell your vision to a constituent.  Sometimes they will hear your vision and leave you to fulfill that vision WITHOUT YOU!  REMEMBER:  They are not for you. They are only for what you are for.  

The test to see:  When you are happy about something that happens in your life...tell them about it and watch their reaction.  Often the reaction will be a sour one! Don’t be surprised, they are only Constituents.

3. COMRADES  These people are fighters.  They are NOT for you.  They are NOT for what you are for.  They are only AGAINST what you are against. They will stay with you only until the battle is over, because they are fighters.  They will fight until they see another battle that attracts their attention.  Sadly, in the church there are many, many, Comrades. They are wanderers. They are “Free Spirits”. They refuse accountability! But they love to fight!!  They will even fight you if there is nothing else for them to fight.  Usually they do not stick around very long. They don’t care about your vision.  They are only there as long as there is something to fight.  And they will only be with you as long as you are fighting what they want to fight.  You can’t build a business, home, or a church on Comrades. They are only scaffolding.  They are temporary! Sometimes they will toss some money in the plate....go ahead and take it while they are there! After the battle/work is done the scaffolding always comes down and they will be gone!! 

The test to see:  Stop fighting against something and watch what they will do.  They will fight you or someone in the church, even the Pastor or a family member because....THEY ARE FIGHTERS! 

Don’t be surprised when Comrades turn on you.   David had a hard time with comrades; He said, “I could understand if it was my enemy....but when it was mine own, mine equal that turned on me, it was almost too much to bear!”.  They will KICK you when you are down. Don’t be surprised when someone who looks like they are really connected and all of a sudden you look and they are gone.  Advice:  Don’t ever engage in a battle against them.  The outcome will always be the same.  If you win....they will leave.  If they win....they will still leave!!

Every church, every home, every business needs a fresh infiltration of Confidants (the first one)! You can build on people who are FOR YOU!! Seek out your confidants and build on them! You will find that they are the best foundation for what you are building!

I hope this helps you the way it has helped me!! SRR