The Bad Guy
Life seems to always have some drama somewhere for us all. Family, friends, work, church, neighbors, anywhere there are people, drama will ensue. Some scenarios last just a few hours; others drag on for years.
When we watch a drama on TV or a movie, there is one common denominator—every good drama has to have a bad guy. The better, or worse I should say, the bad guy is, the better the drama.
The funny thing about real-life drama, though, is the bad guy is a matter of perception. Whoever is deemed to be most in the wrong by the “sides,” is labeled the bad guy (or girl). You can ask one side, “who is your bad guy” and they quickly point and say, “Him!” Ask the other side and they just as swiftly say, “Her!” Perception often rules over the truth.
If you’re alive and breathing for very long on planet Earth, you cannot avoid being someone’s bad guy. There are times you can fix it and there are times you can’t. Some people get over it and some don’t. There will be some situations where resolve and peace appear impossible to achieve. There will be people we just have to draw some lines and set some boundaries up to maintain health and truth, because they will keep the drama alive at all cost.
As Christians, we must be extremely careful labeling someone as a bad guy. If we perpetuate this title for anyone in any setting for very long, we should start looking inward fast.
Paul stated in Romans 12:18: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)
Notice the precursors to living at peace—“If it is possible” and “as far as it depends on you.” You know why Paul said this? Because at any given point in his ministry, he was on a lot of people’s bad guy list. He knew peace in relationships was God’s goal for him, but he also knew all he could do was all he could do.
Unfortunately, there are times we can do little about becoming someone’s bad guy, but we most certainly can do something about who we label as such for ourselves. Don’t be responsible for drawing out the drama anywhere, because remember what else Paul said…
We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. —Ephesians 6:12 CEV
We must always stay focused on who the real bad guys are and Paul made it perfectly clear.
5 comments
James June 5, 2014
It is most difficult to deal with when it is your own siblings and even your own parents that want nothing to do with you or your family, grandkids and such. I still love eventhough it is pretty painful at times.
Robert Noland June 9, 2014
One of the toughest Scripture passages is Matthew 10:34-38: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father,a daughter against her mother,a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.' “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
James P Geskie Jr June 11, 2014
Thank you Robert for that scripture. I understand and I truely believe that. I know that I can't change even my family. I know who I am and I know that as for me and mine that we will serve the Lord. It is difficult though when your own mom and dad don't know there grandkids. I don't really get that, but that is a choice they make. I know what I need to do though and how I supposed to live and who to live for. Thank you again. Lord bless you and yours. Jim
Robert Noland June 11, 2014
If you've read The Knight's Code, you know I share my own story regarding my dad and his objection to my faith, right up to his death. Even today, there is stuff in extended family that is difficult to navigate in faith. I feel part of my calling to men is to talk about topics often swept under the rug or ignored, but hopefully offer encouragement and inspiration to keep walking together and onward. The Lord bless you and your family, James. Thanks for engaging.
James P Geskie Jr June 12, 2014
Thanks for your encouragement Robert. I am currently reading The Knight's Code. Enjoying it by the way. God has spoken to me with certain parts and He continues to amaze me. Thank You. Jim