The Art of Deception

In a world where deception is cloaked in righteousness and presented on a golden platter, how do we recognize and overcome this challenge?

From my perspective, access should be earned, not freely given. Any persons seeking to associate or enter your circle should be tested. You might think I'm being critical, but if exercising caution keeps you in the safe harbour for a lifetime, then it's worth it.

Deceptive individuals can sense when you are empathetic and often exploit this to their benefit. Whether it's the spy who claims to love you, the best friend, the project manager who takes credit for your ideas, the church leader who undervalues you as you try to grow, or the parent who treats you like an angel because you're their ATM only to stab you in the back. Your survival depends on how you counter their deception.

How then do we handle parasitic individuals? Do we cut them off and watch them bleed? Do we take them to the courts of heaven? Do we confront them about this harmful behavior? Having experienced a few parasitic encounters myself, I've started doing things differently.

1. Breaking the cycle through prayer. Prayer births revelation and once you have revelation you can arrive at a solution faster. In prayer, ask the Lord to give you wisdom to identify the good, the bad and the ugly.

2. Recognizing that a great destiny attracts parasites, and the way to deal with them is to stop feeding them. Who doesn't like something that shines or is sweet. Parasites see you and want to steal, so all you need to do it be a salt and protect yourself. Let only honest people earn your benefit.

3. Forgive and get help. Nothing grows in a field of revenge. Forgive your parasite, move on and find ways to recover or start all over. I know new beginnings can be mentally draining but its worth the try. Where there is a will there is a way.

4. Staying vigilant. Be discerning at all times and don't grant access too quickly.

I hope you enjoyed this short piece.

See you soon.

Love

Esther