Have you ever been sold out? It is certainly one of the worst feelings you can experience. I have been fortunate that my friends have never sold me out. However, there have been quite a few occasions when colleagues of some kind have sold me out. I can remember sitting at work and having my partner sell me out while trying to defend herself. It was unnecessary. When I confronted her about that situation she told me that she was highly competitive and saw that as an opportunity to knock me down a few notches. Competition amongst co-workers is to be expected. So I took that with a grain of salt and moved on.
There are times when you will be betrayed by those close to you-by those commissioned to protect you. Being sold out by a co-worker, competitor, or mere acquaintance is one thing. Being sold out by someone you trust is a completely different animal. I can remember being a member of a group where I held a leadership position. The advisor of that group actively sought to "sell me out." He knew my qualifications weren't where they needed to be and used that as a way to have me removed. He told me he did it with my best interest in mind...disgusting.
Can you imagine what Eve felt when Adam sold her out in the Garden? I'm sure she was crushed by Adam's finger pointing and blame. In an attempt to exonerate himself, Adam told God that it was the woman that had caused him to sin (Genesis 3:12). Adam was Eve's husband, trusted companion, protector, and friend. He denied all those titles and responsibilities when he turned a blind eye to Eve's conversation with the serpent and when he blamed her for his shortcomings.
The Bible does not elaborate on what took place between Adam and Eve relationally post-garden. I can imagine that Adam had some explaining to do. Adam would have had to overcome all the emotional pain, the betrayal, and the loss of trust between he and Eve....A crushing blow to their once perfect relationship.
Relationships are funny in this way. They take an incredible amount of time to build up and yet can be reduced to ruble in a matter of moments. Choices that are made in seconds can have consequences that last a lifetime. This is true in all relationships. Some relationships do not have the strength to withstand such blows. Others, though still standing, sustain irrevocable damages.
Don't be a blamer, a finger pointer, a "sell out," when times get tough. Take the responsibility that is yours whether good or bad. Deal with the consequences of your actions. Although painful, it will take you further in terms of respect and trust. As we look at the new year and the many resolutions that people make, lets make a resolution to be a committed friend, husband, co-worker, etc...
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2 comments:
You are a talented writer. I enjoyed reading the article. Minister Hill, can there be reconciliation after the "sell" if you are in fact the person who did the selling out? If so, what steps would you recommend the seller take to repair the damage?
No doubt, there can be reconciliation. The first step is to take responsibility for your actions. The second step is to repent to the one you sold out and ask for forgiveness. Third, if possible you should make things right. If what you did can be repaired I highly recommend doing so. Finally, conduct yourself in a manner that restores trust to the relationship. I hope that is helpful.
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