FIVE CANCEROUS BEHAVIORS
FIVE CANCEROUS BEHAVIORS
Stephen R. Covey
1. Criticizing – it seems to be a natural trait for us to look at something and begin to find what is wrong with it. It is much harder to find the good in something and praise people for that good. It also seems to be easier to find what is wrong that it is to suggest ways that it might be improved.
2. Complaining – for some people this seems to be their calling in life. All of us have known someone who never seems to be happy with anything. All of us at some time or another – probably more often than we wish to admit – have been that person.
3. Comparing – I talk about this one in relationship to stewardship often. We live in a culture that always has to determine who the winner is. We compare ourselves to others – usually people that don’t compare well to us – so that we might feel better about ourselves. How much time to we spend, however, comparing ourselves to our lord and savior Jesus Christ – the one we can never measure up to.
4. Competing – this one cuts me to the quick. I was raised in a family that was very competitive. We couldn’t even play cards without keeping score or using the old wooden match sticks to see who the winner was ultimately. I am still tempted today to consider if I am the better preacher, general presbyter or Christian.
5. Contending – this really has to do with getting your own way. Why is it that getting our way is so important but to once again win the game, be better than others, and also fill our selfish needs?
Is it really possible for us to give these up and think first of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the world that does not yet know Jesus Christ. Remember the great commandment to “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength and your neighbor as yourself”

