#22- Are You Manipulating People?

There's a lot of talk these days about adding value to the lives of others.  The underlying premise is that if you continually bless people they will feel the need to reciprocate.  So then, the underlying reason for you to help someone is because there will be some kind of PAYBACK.  Did you hear alarms going off while you read the last sentence?

The conundrum is as follows.

1.  Many of us are not comfortable with the idea that we may be manipulating someone.  

2.  Many of us desire to go the 'extra mile' for others, but are concerned that we may take advantage of someone in the process.

In summary, we want to shine and go the extra mile but we do not want to hurt people in the process.

These ideas seem simple on the surface, but anyone who has treaded these deep waters understands the dilemma.

Should we stop being a blessing to others?  Of course not.  However, if you battle with feeling manipulative there is hope.  Now if you are manipulative, that's a whole other issue.  

Naturally, SOME people will feel a need to reciprocate when you customize your services to meet their needs to a tee.  Ironically, many will not.  Either way, the response of others should not stop us from going above and beyond the call of duty in our daily travels.  Regardless of our station in life, we have the OPPORTUNITY to do our very best everyday under all circumstances.  I don't know about you, but I think that's good news!  We can all be artists.

You heard me right.  When we serve with excellence, we will receive paybacks but we also have the opportunity to create art.  Moses shared this idea when he captured the masterpiece we call Creation in the book of Genesis.  God creates 'good and beautiful things' for others and so can we.

Again, when you start adding value in the lives of others you will and should receive compensation in some cases.  Paul said that he who sows spiritual things should receive carnal things in return from those they serve.  However, while people can deny you compensation for your services, they CANNOT deny you the pleasure you receive when you do something well.  In fact, for many artists, the feeling of accomplishment far outweighs the monetary rewards.  For instance, have you ever considered the fact that visual art can be readily distributed at no cost to the consumer and no material gain to the artist?  You see this in branding.  For example, you can walk down the aisle of the grocery store and admire branding- for example the script on a can of Coke- and not make a purchase.  When you do, the artist who created the brand receives no payment, yet his work endures for years.

While your fellow man may not compensate you for your continual efforts, you can rest assured that you will be rewarded some how, some way, for your continual efforts when you go about doing good.  Why?  Because when we sow bountifully, we reap bountifully.

Maybe you know of someone who has been recognized by others for their continual excellence in service, yet you've failed to bless them despite the fact they've enriched you.  Rather than being jealous, you might consider recognizing them in some way, be it a letter, or email, phone call, etc.  Perhaps you might even be led to repay them for their services in some way.

In the meantime, stop feeling guilty about doing excellent work and go out and be artistic.