Some People Stir Up Trouble
Rescue me, LORD, from evildoers;
protect me from the violent, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up
war every day.
– Psalm 140:1-2
She was not a gossip. Oh, no. Not her. She merely
listened to everything she could possibly hear, whether she was part of the
conversation or not, then went running to the pastor to tattle.
I know. But there really is no other way to put it. When
we were kids, we called people like that tattle tails. Unfortunately, she never
outgrew it.
This was not a case of mentioning to the pastor that
so-and-so was about to have surgery and maybe a call was appropriate. Her
commentary was on anything from those who opposed the new carpet color to
someone allegedly having an affair.
Unfortunately, this pastor encouraged her behavior by
listening. It was gossip that sometimes had no factual foundation. Who she was
passing the information on to was irrelevant. Gossip is gossip and her gossip
was designed to stir up trouble.
Another woman does the same thing at her job. She is
known as the “spy.” She runs back to the bosses with any tales of inadequate
work or attitudes that should be adjusted. She does it with a sugary smile but her
words are designed to bring trouble.
She’s also quick to take credit for anything good that
happens. She doesn’t bother to mention her team. She doesn’t extend credit to anyone
else. It’s all about her until something goes wrong. Then she’ll find someone
else to take the fall for her mistake.
Some people just thrive on drama. They love to stir up
trouble. They enjoy turning one person against another. It’s as though they get
a power rush from seeing it all unfold.
I wonder sometimes if insecurities fuel their
behavior. Maybe. But other times I think people like this are just mean. They
don’t seem to care who they hurt.
I wish I had a grand plan to put a stop to this
behavior. I don’t. Because people who don’t see anything wrong with their words
or actions aren’t going to change just because you or I think they should.
I do believe that we should take everything to God
first. Take your hurt to Him. Take your frustration to Him. Take your tears to
Him. And trust Him to work it all out.
Also, be sure to pray for the person who is harming
you or others. Ask God to open your heart to that person so that you can
forgive and let it go. Be kind even when you know it’s wise not to trust. Don’t
allow their behavior to lead you into sin.
