Among on the wisest sayings in the book of Proverbs, you will find:

Iron sharpens iron, as one person sharpens another

Surrounding yourself with positive influences does not mean there will not be conflict. In actuality, constructive conflict is vital to growth. Imagine a world where no one is allowed to say anything that may be perceived as negative (today’s political correctness makes it feel that way).

I would liken this to someone knowing the bridge is out up-ahead. They try to tell the person the bridge is out, but they either ignore them or cannot hear them. Without success, they throw rocks at the car in an attempt to get them to stop. Ultimately, they decide to slash their tires in order to save their life.

Their actions would count as negative, but we are overlooking their motive.

If someone is attempting to help you, then you should accept what they say with love. If someone is trying to tear you down, then you should distance yourself from them. To distance yourself from everyone who says something you do not like is to stunt your own growth. There is a bit of friction necessary that many are trying to live without.

I like to tell my children to surround themselves with people who are willing to tell them their breath stinks. It does no good to be around people who will only tell you what you want to hear and not what you need to hear. We need to hear the truth if we are grow, and anyone who is unwilling to tell you the truth – is not your friend.

Put simply, they are being selfish and only looking out for themselves.

Well, they are selfish or you created an environment where telling you the truth is discouraged. Whether you never listen, are never wrong, or you retaliate whenever someone tries to help you; they will eventually stop offering you advice. We should learn to thank people when they tell us something we need to hear. Otherwise, you are going to walk around with bad breath because no one is willing to tell you that you need a mint.

Continued blessings,

Undre Griggs | Be More