I’m outspoken, rather I put myself ‘out there’, knowing that there can be consequences. But I don’t do controversy and avoid it at all cost. Then when it’s unavoidable, I don’t do well. It plagues me. As I’m told to, I pray about it and ask God to take it over and lead me to the path to handle it as He would have me handle it. If I ask him to, God carries me through it.
Not too long ago, I’ve was working with a customer on a project. We have a signed agreement that states what the project is, the cost of the project and the terms of the sale. (No where in that agreement is any statement of date of delivery or completion.)
Well, the 80/20 rule applies here. 80% of my time and energy has been spent on this project. The customer is also a very busy person and communicates mostly by text. Four days ago he started implementing deadlines and threatening legal action because the project wasn’t completed. Interestingly, he hasn’t taken my calls and interestingly in person, he has shown no form of bullying. But in texts, he is letting it all hang out.
To be fair, the project was not completed according to my desired timeframe, but this is why. First I was able to upgrade the product significantly with no additional cost, if the project could be delayed ‘a couple of weeks’. The customer agreed. Second, the required ‘third part’ involved, had delays outside of my control. And third, the product (electronic) needed an unknown firmware to work some of the bonus features. All of these were explained to the client all along. Yet, he persisted.
I’ve been around bullies. I have helped parents of students with disabilities who have bullied. I know what is is and it is wrong anywhere, anytime! It is wrong on the playground, at school, in the workplace or in your neighborhood.
A few days before he was crucified, a lawyer asked Christ: “Teacher, what is the great commandment in the Law?”
“And He said to him, ” ‘ YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘ YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’”
Matthew 22:37-39 NASB
When we ‘bully’ are we loving our neighbor as ourselves? We are not.
If we would make these two commandments our total everyday all day focus, we would:
- Follow His commandments…
- Be a shining example for others to see…
- Have NO reason to be ugly to others…
- Be HAPPY!