HANDLING HURTS 5: BEFORE YOU RESIGN IN ANGER

About six years ago, I read a book titled “Honours Reward” by John Bevere and I saw a testimony that has not left me since that day:

A man worked in a company. There were three of them on the same level, but it was obvious by assessment and performance that he outclassed all the others. When it was time for promotion, they promoted someone else. It was obvious that it was based on racial prejudice. He made up his mind to fight back by filing a petition against the organization.

He went for midweek service in his church and heard his pastor preach on showing honour especially when it is tough and how not to be offended. It was obvious the word was meant for him.

He returned to work the next day and walked straight to the newly promoted colleague. He said, “If you need someone to count on to support you in this new role, I would be there”. That was the least expected response. He kept his word. He performed excellently on all tasks.

A rival company kept tabs on him because they saw how effective he was. They kept inviting him for a talk, but he declined because he had promised his boss that he would always be there. Eventually, he caved into a talk over lunch. He told his wife that he would write a demand that was so ridiculous that they would get off his back.

At the lunch meet-up, just before he presented his ‘inflated demand’, the gentlemen he was meeting with gave him a slip showing their offer.  He was in shock. The offer was three times what he wrote. While he expressed shock, they apologised if he thought the offer was too low. They were ready to still do better.

What a testimony!

Beloved, offence on your job is a trap. If you handle it poorly, you would have burnt bridges of people and opportunities. Your next offer can still be in the circle that you are about to give a piece of your mind.

Some people resign every time they feel hurt or cheated. Such people rarely climb the ladder of their career to the peak. They stay as middle-level managers. If your motivation to start your own business is offence, the foundation is already poor.

Let your love-walk as a believer be stronger than office politics. Be confident like Daniel. Be loving and patient like Joseph. Walk in honour like David. Hear what the Elders of Israel said to David:

Then all the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron and told him, “We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be Israel’s leader.’”

2 Samuel 5:1-2 NLT

Saul was king but they knew it was David who was leading. They knew David had a word from the Lord that he would be king. Your test will come. Do not fail it. Saul’s misbehaviour was David’s test. Be calm. That superior’s misbehaviour is also your own test. May the Lord grant you the wisdom to deal and win. But make sure you do not stay in offence.

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa