What would you do if you knew every move of individuals wanting something, anything bad to happen to you? How would it change things? As crazy as this is, reality hits home when one discovers a friend’s flaws causing you pain. When it repeats, you begin to anticipate what will happen in the future. One is certain of what is to come. So, what changes?
In my life, I do not know what the answer is. The challenge is that I have two extremes. In one case, I have an advocate. He champions my best abilities and passions, looking for opportunities that are mutually beneficial. He is relentlessly positive. In contrast there is another. In his case, ideas are stolen, credit claimed, and opportunities hidden from my view.
Naturally, I react to one with a open offer to help and support. For the other, I struggle. I want to be supportive, to help lift him to a place more positive, but I often restrain myself from taking action.
I have come to see my insightful knowledge as a distraction from my calling. Across time, individuals and communities have anticipated the actions of others. The Psalmist notes that people were conspiring against Israel and Divinity; “Now they’re putting their heads together, making plans to get rid of you.” (Psalm 83.5) As crisp and succinct as the observation was, I do not see how it changed the calling of Israel or the behavior of Divinity. Good and Evil are always at odds with each other. Knowing the face and name of Evil does not change our call to be and do good.
An alternative approach emerged as others show me how to use the knowledge and insight of one’s enemy to sharpen one’s intentional efforts of compassion, mercy, and support. It is as if by knowing more, they are able to do more good.
I know with certainty that today will bring obstacles, barriers, and attacks. Knowing the source is an opportunity I want to seize with Divine guidance and assistance. Every insight creates an opportunity for good.
