"High Maintenance"      
 

by Greg Gwin

 

From time to time you might hear someone described as "high maintenance." It could be a man referring to his girlfriend, or a husband discussing his wife (or vice versa). The phrase might be used in regards to any person who shares a relationship with others. The meaning of this expression is this: this individual requires constant attention. They expect and demand that others will attend to their every whim and expectation. Typically, these people will not do anything for others, because it seems that it never crosses their mind to think about what someone else might want or need. Their total emphasis is on "me, me, me!" Unfortunately, there are some members of the church who are "high maintenance." These are the folks who are always complaining about things that they feel should have been done for them:  a.. "I was sick, and no one came to see me."  b.. "I was overlooked when someone was selected for…..."  c.. "I've never been invited to ______ 's house for a meal."  d.. "I wasn't included when some others made plans to…..."  e.. Etc., etc., etc. A little investigation will show that this "high maintenance" individual has never done any of these things for anyone else. Usually these folks are not particularly friendly, almost never show hospitality, don't visit the sick, never see about the needs of others, and generally ignore any situation that doesn't involve their own interests or desires. They are self-centered and full of self-pity. Such folks need to learn to look outside their own circle, to realize that "self" is not the most important thing. Paul said it this way: "In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:3-5).     Other Articles by Greg Gwin An Uncertain Sound You're Not Going to Change Me Complaints About the Church Did Jesus Use Carnal Methods to Attract Crowds? I Don't Love Her Anymore A Problem Area For Preachers The Mark of the Beast How to Know What God Wants Me to Do Role Models Would You Allow This?     For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com