But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.
Acts 13:51-14:1
Know when it’s time to move on. Paul and Barnabas knew when it was time to cut their losses and move on to more fertile ground. There will be relationships, jobs, and temporary situations that have beginnings and ends. You will also experience rejection and doors slamming in your face. Developing the ability to discern where you belong and where you don’t can save you a lot of pain. Even Jesus told His disciples to depart and shake the dust off their feet when rejected.
If God is prompting you to move on, it’s because He has some- thing better planned for you. Not everyone will accept you. In my best-selling book PERSUADE, I discuss how you can discern between what a “right fit” looks like and what a “wrong fit” feels like. It takes self-honesty to admit that you can’t win everyone over, so you will know when it is time to cut your losses and move on; get used to it. Consider the contrast between the right and wrong relationships:
Motivating Relationships Will:
- Energize you
- Perceive you can meet their need
- Welcome and receive you
- Put you off only temporarily
- Signal a connection with you
- Be accepting of your presence
- See value in you
- View you as a solution to a problem
Demotivating Relationships Will:
- Drain you
- Tell you they have no need
- Reject you, and then forget you
- Put you off indefinitely
- Show contempt toward you
- Resent your presence
- Devalue you
- Perceive your presence as a problem
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- Whom in your life do you feel fits perfectly in relationship with you and why?
- Are there unhealthy relationships or situations you need to eliminate from your life or team?
- Can you give an example of a relationship you stayed in too long?
If Jesus didn’t stay in a place He wasn’t wanted, why would you? Shake the dust off your feet and go where you are celebrated, not tolerated.
