Article by Stephon Leary
What role are you playing in building a life of success? What role should you play? The key to becoming successful or living out your purpose is instructions. Following instructions leads to completion. Not following instructions leads to self-destruction. It is sometimes easy to view as a failure the life of someone who has made mistakes. People label people who are going through a phase or transition of growth. Everyone goes through something to become something; it’s all about whether or not you are under construction or destruction. What’s the difference? Construction is the process of building something according to a strategic plan with the goal of completing the project. You may pass by certain projects while they are being built and see a sign that says “Under Construction.” That sign makes me wonder what is being built there. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the same curiosity about seeing people “Under Construction” in that same way? When you see someone in an early stage of life who looks a mess, you can see signs of a “new project” and think, “I wonder what that person is going to end up doing?” Consider this scripture in the Bible that says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). You can use this wisdom to switch your mentality towards another person and not judge or label individuals in ways that hurt and/or offend them. This switch in mentality can make a significant difference in the life of another person. Another great verse that backs up this action is: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Sometimes when I’m asked how everything is going, I respond, “I’m a work in progress!” When it looks like a person has it all together, remember that everyone wrestles with feelings, and emotions that are positive and/or negative. It is the way we are all wired and created. The key is to minimize the negative and exalt the positive. Now, what is destruction? Go back to that construction site. You might also see a sign that says, “Danger! Be Aware!” because there are always dangers when something is being built up or torn down. It’s the same situation with the issues you face and the decisions you make. When your decision causes a negative, you can use the situation for growth, building back, or even destruction. As for me, I grew up in a family where my siblings chose to participate in drugs, crime, or alcohol. Some turned away and bounced back from their destructive choices; others didn’t. I’m telling you to remember that it is important not to pass judgment even if you are alarmed that a family member has made a destructive decision and may need help. For this situation, there is more wisdom from the Bible: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught doing wrong, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). People who make destructive decisions are actually crying inside and want help without knowing how to ask. Knowing that, the worst thing you can do is pass judgment on, or reject them. Honestly, as a Christian, I found that this is one of the most challenging situations. I wonder, how do I love and support someone who is living completely and totally against what scripture says, and what I know to be true? This is a tough question and it requires tough answers. Know that all you can do is do your best to love the way Jesus taught all people to love. We are here to help each other follow instructions that lead to productive and successful lives. So, don’t sit idly by and watch someone self-destruct. Embrace what it means to follow instructions for building greatness in each other. Following these instructions leads to a life of fulfillment. Not following these instructions lead to a life of destruction that only gets worse when that person is judged. Help those who need and want to turn their life from destruction to construction. Give them the instructions.
