Originally posted 2017-12-04 11:12:57.
Hi!
Have you ever been blindsided by a throw-off amid a bunch of people? How did you handle it? Did you get angry? Did it hurt your feelings? Did it embarrass you? I hope not.
Rather than allowing an attempted public put-down to knock you out of your square; keep your cool. Look at it from a different perspective. Soft-spoken disdain directed towards you just might be an unwitting compliment.
I guess you are saying, “Girl what are you talking about?” How can you see praise enveloped in an insult? Think about it.
What is usually behind certain coworkers trying to make you look bad on your job? When someone undermines your ministry endeavors; what is their goal? 
Why do people accuse you of trying to one-up them; when what they are doing is the last thing on your mind? Why would anyone try to water down your educational accomplishments and intellect, in the eyes of others? There is a driving factor.
But first, let’s look at one, of many possible reasons for the why!
Suppose you were in a friendly conversation with a few people. You and one of them had strong opposing views on a subject you both experienced. You also corrected a mispronounced word (which was probably not a wise thing to do). There was no animosity in your heart. You detected frustration; but no bad blood. Actually, you thought you both agreed to disagree.
But, apparently that was not the case. Weeks passed since you had that conversation. Then, POW!! The need to prove you wrong; and let you know you are not all that, came out in an unlikely place. In an open forum. But why?
Two words come to mind! INTIMIDATION and ADMIRATION!
Pride triggers INTIMIDATION; which instigates competition and envy. When you being you, intimidates people; they usually treat you in distinct ways. Some avoid conversation with you. Others continually try to prove they know more than you. If they are in a place of authority; they try to make sure your voice is not heard. Some will also, try to undermine your efforts.
My friends, has any of the above ever happened to you? If so, I know it is aggravating. Especially when you are just being you. You are not in competition with anyone but yourself. 
You see some of your faults. Your goal is to outdo today, what YOU did yesterday. You aim to please God; serve where God wants you to serve; and walk in all God has for you.
It is one thing for someone to speak negatively to you personally about areas in your life that intimidate them. It is totally different when someone uses a platform to attack your God-given gift and assignment. That rings loud of you having struck a major nerve in them. You tapped into their esteem issues.
That is why; when God has gifted and anointed you; it is imperative that you stay prayerful. It keeps you in communication with the Lord. The Holy Spirit enlightens you in frustrating situations. When people use forums to use you as an example of what is not pleasing to God; they are trying to impress listeners. You may have offended them at one point or another. But, your ways impress them; so they aspire to one-up you among the masses. Without knowing it; they really ADMIRE you.
Yes! That is ADMIRATION! They admire your business savvy; your ability to articulate; your intellect; your influence; your attractiveness; your strength; your creativity; and the anointing on your life. They admire your teaching and preaching gifts; and your walk with God. But low self-esteem will cause people to see your gifts as threats; not as mirrors of their own gifts or aspirations.
So my friends, please see the compliment in the midst of every attack you endure. Do not get offended. Know that God has anointed each of us in different areas; and endowed us with unique gifts.
It is a blessing to know your gifts from God; and the assignment God has given you.
People might not understand the purpose of your career, educational, or ministry pursuits. But they did not hear what God spoke into your spirit. Nor do they know your warfare, and occasional feelings of inadequacy while pressing and doing what God has called you to. They do not know that your relationship with God; and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit keep you moving forward. So do not fret being misunderstood. Just see the compliment in the midst. Praise God!
Yes!!! See the compliment in the midst of the attacks. See the compliment in the insults. See the compliment in the whispers. See the compliment in the throw-offs. Because, my sisters and my brothers; God has anointed you to do what you do. Keep depending on God!
Here’s a scripture that is on my heart today. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”. Luke 4:18 KJV
Thank you for joining me today. I will leave you with this question; “Do you see the compliment in the midst?” We will talk soon.
Blessings!
Rochelle
