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I want to be a blessing

I have seen many over the years trying to get ahead by jockeying for position with those in influence.  What a sad motive to get close to a senior person.  For one, I would be very stressed if I was the one trying to do this.  There must be more to life than just being where important people are going.  Do it because you have a genuine interest in their welfare.  If I were the person of influence, I would rather have genuine friends than friends who are only interested in getting something out of me.  Those in authority would agree with this statement.

Proverbs 25:7
For it is better that he say to you,
“Come up here,”
Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.

Proverbs 25 focuses on relationships between us and those in authority and our neighbors.  We need to deal wisely with those in authority.  Do not be given to hurriedly pursuing an audience with them in matters of disputes with neighbors (verses 6-10).  We also need to be wise in how we handle the resources given to us.  Share them, even with our enemies.  There is only so much you can consume.  It is better to share and gain from the sharing, especially with enemies (verses 21-22).

I am blessed with more than I need.  Yes, even though there is a sense that I "need more", I "need less".  The extra is to be given away so that I win friends from neighbors and enemies.  There is great benefit with those in authority that I do this.  Truly the "dross that hangs on the silver will be removed".  Much benefit will come not just to me but those around me, especially those who are responsible for me.

Father, help me to be more a blessing than a person that pursues blessing.

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