Shake It Off

Leadership

This just in...not everybody agrees with you. Not everybody likes you. Not everybody is buying what you are selling. I know, it was hard for me to accept, also, although as my hair reaches new levels of silver, I realize more and more just how true those statements are. Think about it. Jesus himself, when sending his disciples out with the greatest news the world has ever known, understood some people just wouldn't listen.

After preparing His team with some of the most thorough and incredible teaching in history, including six chapters (Matthew 4-9) of lessons, stories, examples, and countless miracles, he sent them on a recruiting trip. Pair up, spread out, go from town to town, and see who is in. Go deep with the ones who want what you have, but don't get discouraged by the ones who say no. Shake it off and keep going. We are hitting the field with people who want to be on the team. The ones that don't? It's their loss.

"If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave." (Matthew 10:14)

I have really struggled over the years when people in my life said no to me, personally and professionally, when they made a choice other than to do life with, or do business with me. Even worse is when they started and then decided to stop. Then, I realized it is actually a gift. Less drag. Less drama. Less disappointment. Less frustration. Heck, if half the world says no to Jesus, who am I to think my approval ratings would be any better?

When someone doesn't want to buy what you are selling, move on; somebody else will.

If someone doesn't want to be on your team... great! Better to know now than to be frustrated because they keep running the wrong routes and inevitably need to be traded. Someone wants out of the inner circle? Sweet! Peace and harmony are activators for joy and prosperity. You may be sweet tea to some and apple cider vinegar to others. Let it go.

Where do you need to shake some dust off your feet? If you have done the prep work like the disciples did and believe that what you are bringing to the game is good for others and God's kingdom, don't get stuck in the mud when people don't sign up. Just shake it off.