April 7, 2021

You do know there are many many people who are where they are, but do not want to be there.  Recently I heard the story of a family going on an incredible vacation, but the 14 year old son didn’t want to be there.  Instead of trying to enjoy the trip, he just made everyone else miserable.  How unfortunate for the family and for the young man who couldn’t get over himself and embrace the experience.  No doubt, it’s hard to be some where with someone who doesn’t want to be there.  They don’t say it, but it’s almost as if they see it as their personal responsibility to make everyone else miserable.  You’ve heard it said, and it’s true, “Misery loves company.”  Miserable people are every where today.  You work with some and you go to church with some and they are on your child’s ball team and they are behind the counter.  I was thinking that Judas, the betrayer of the Messiah, had to be a miserable person.  In a moment of humble sacrifice Mary anointed the Lord’s feet with oil and wiped His feet with her hair.  But Judas spoke up and said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”  John 12:5.

Judas killed that sweet moment of fellowship and service to the Lord.  Judas was with the disciples, but he really didn’t want to be.  And that’s what people do when they are in a place they don’t want to be, they say something or do something that ruins what could be an amazing moment for others.  Judas’ main problem is that he simply needed Jesus!  He was with Jesus, but didn’t have Jesus and he was miserable.  

So what do you do when you find yourself in a place you don’t want to be?  Ask God to change your heart and attitude, because you want to be a light where ever you go.  Be careful about what comes out of your mouth, because those with you may absolutely love where they are.  Believe that where you are right now is not where you will always be, God can move you or change you.  Several years ago I went to evening service at our church and I didn’t want to go, but my wife strong armed me.  I went almost mad, but I knew I needed to go even for a witness to my young children.  About half-way in to the song service I noticed how my attitude had changed.  By the time we left that service, I was so blessed to have gone.

Whether you know it or not, you are a vital part of the atmosphere around you.  You either are a catalyst the presence of the Holy Spirit or a hindrance.  Don’t be guilty of blocking the Spirit from moving and don’t be guilty of making everyone around you miserable.  Be changed in Jesus Name and make every place you go meaningful and enjoyable for everyone else.