To be frank, there is nothing new about seeing the English soccer team being disqualified from the tournament; they always get disqualified anyway...But the one thing that caught my attention over Wayne Rooney's press conference, was a serious statement he made:
'I think you look at those teams who had won the world cup in the previous years and you can see that nastiness in them...I think we need to get that in us. Maybe we are too honest...I think as a team, we need to get that (nastiness) in us...You see, a lot of great teams have that (nastiness)...we try and be honest, but maybe that's a fault of ours.'
Wayne Rooney actually implied that they had to be 'streetwise' and forget 'playing by the book' if they wanted to win. He implied that they should be using the ' dirty tricks' that are off the books to get the results. And because of their 'very nice' approach, they constantly get walked over by wicked and tricky opponents sides..
It says it all.
Oh boy! Did he say they need get nasty to win the world cup next time?
Yeah..you got it right, that's what he said...
There is a great life lesson behind Wayne Rooney statement that can be applied to our daily lives.
How many opportunities and dreams have slipped out of our hands because we were 'too nice', 'too polite', 'too respectful', 'too kind', 'too soft'...?
Do you remember the guy who got all the credits at work for an idea stolen from you, simply because you were too nice?
Have you ever heard of that woman who died silently in her house, because she was 'too kind' to stand against her husband physical abuse?
What about the young innocent child who grew up with serious trauma after suffering 'bully attacks' at school?
Do you remember the story of the woman who got abused by a stranger after she was too kind to give him a lift at 1.00 am?
How about the guy who worked 16 hours a day, for a peanut salary during 30 years of his life, simply because he was 'too soft' to stand against unfair labor practice?
How about the generations of human beings who lived as slaves during their whole lives, because they were 'too silent, too sub servant, too submissive' to stand for their freedom?
And what about the young clean teenager who became a drug addict because he was 'too soft' to say 'NO' to his teenage peers offering him to test the dirty stuff?
Do you remember the story of the business that closed down because the manager was 'too kind' and was scared to fire dishonest employees who stole money from the business on a daily basis?
There is a common idea being spread around Christianity and which stipulates that a 'Christian dude' should always be nice...Here is my response:
'WRONG! Simply because you are a Christian, does not mean that you have to be a 'Teddy Bear'.
In the book of Matthew 10:16, Jesus said to his disciples: ' Listen! I am sending you and you will be like sheep amongst wolves. Be smart like snakes and simple (soft) as doves.'
Jesus is exhorting us to be kind like doves, but because of the presence of 'wolves', He warns us to balance our kindness by being smart like snakes. In this verse, a wolf refers to a human being whose life is directed by evil deeds and passions such as murder, violence, dishonesty ect...Those wolves live by evil principles to survive and respond to their selfish needs. The criminals, thieves, rapists, cheats,liars, school bullies, the murderers ...the list goes on. Those people are wolves.
When God sent us in this world as a sheep , He advised us to hold two faces:
1. The dove face:
The dove face is the face of softness,kindness, and peace. A dove does not instigate evil or hurt. Don't be a school bully, a physical abuser, an idea thief at work, a dishonest person..just don't instigate hurt and evil doing.
2. The snake face:
I have yet to see a gentle snake! A snake is NOT a nice guy in the animal kingdom; actually the snake is the most despised animal throughout all the world cultures and religions. He is often symbol of evil and deadly attacks. So why Jesus tells us to be smart like snakes?
Here is the explanation:' you should not instigate evil and you should be kind to everyone...but it won't be possible to be soft all the time because of the presence of wolves or people who have chosen to live according to evil selfish principles as a response to their needs. When those wolves appear and try to eat you alive, you must stop acting like a dove and turn into a 'snake mode'. In the ancient times, wolves attacked the sheep because they were soft and looking 'tasty' to devour. In the same way, some individuals and circumstances will target you simply because of your 'dove kindness' that will make a 'fun target' to play with.
Just like Jesus said: ' do not be the one instigating evil, if they come to you to harm you, they chose to instigate it. BUT as soon as you see them coming, turn your dove face in snake face! Jesus gave you permission for that.
If a python sees a wolf attempting to attack, do you think that the python will give out a huge smile? No ways! The python will strike back for its own survival.
Let me get something very clear for the records:
' A wolf is a deadly animal who would act similarly to a lion towards a sheep. A wolf does not bite to hurt like a dog would, a wolf will bite to kill.'
These are the four types of wolves to look out for:
1.The devil
2.Your own flesh ( which has sinful desires to instigate evil): 'whenever you feel tempted to instigate hurt on someone or on yourself, subdue your nature and get control of yourself.
3.Individuals who chose to live through evil principles.
4.Negatives life circumstances: 'economic crisis, poverty, wars, societal crisis, disasters...'
When those wolves show up, turn yourself into a snake mode. You don't have to be nice to them. In case you chose to be nice, those wolves will destroy you . The best weapon they use against you is your misplaced kindness.
One day Jesus walked into the temple of Jerusalem and found traders selling commodities in the temple. What do you think he did? Do you think he felt empathy for those people? Do you really think he said something like: 'hey guys, I understand that you are trying to feed your families. And it's okay for you to sell within the temple.'
On the contrary, he got upset and violently chased the traders from the temple. There are other examples where Jesus Himself was not that nice to people.He knew when to act as a dove and when to get 'streetwise' like a snake.
What do you when Satan attacks your family?
What do you do when your flesh attempts to lead you into a self-destructive urge(drug addiction,sexual addiction, alcohol addiction...)? Don't be too nice to your flesh.
What do you do when individuals who chose to live by evil principles attempt to rob you, or destroy you? Turn into a snake and be smart.
What do you do when negative life circumstances such as economic crisis, poverty or any societal disaster are looming against you? Be smart and streetwise. Somethings can not be learned in a book...Think out of the rules!
By being nice towards the wolves of life, you run the risk of losing your business,your job, your money, your spouse, your family, your purpose, and at times, even your life.
Could it be that the reason behind the suffering and pain of many individuals, be caused by their excessive misplaced kindness?
You have Jesus permission:' Be in a snake mode when the wolves are coming.'