Sometimes, people see what you have and want it, but just aren't willing to do what you did or put in the amount of time and self-discipline needed to obtain it. Instead, they attempt and expect to ride along with you and have what they want to occur in their lives because they know you, fellowship with you, and in some cases are taught by you.

This is dangerous for leaders, teachers, and even just friends. Eventually, when this person is not achieving what they want, you will either become their persecutor (in their minds) or an idol to them, no matter what you did or did not do for them. (Warning: If you allow yourself to stay in that place of an idol, YOU WILL eventually be torn down by The Father.)

I have learned all of this the hard way through the years. Some people don't want to be taught (even though they beg you to teach them). They want to latch on and obtain what you have through a relationship with you instead of that relationship with The Father, hard work, and self-discipline you put in.

It NEVER works.

Be watchful! Sometimes, it's a matter of maturity, but other times, it's a destroyer in disguise (a goat). If you have a check in your spirit about a relationship, listen to that! Tread lightly until you have proof that what you're experiencing is a check from the Ruach and not just suspicion. Evaluate what is going on around you. Are things suddenly happening that don't seem right? Are your other relationships suffering suddenly even though nothing has changed nor harsh words exchanged? These are all clues there could be a goat in your midst.

We often want to believe the best about people so badly that we can't see the destruction they bring. Love new people, but with healthy boundaries. Always let Abba bring healing to them before embarking on a teacher/student relationship that they aren't ready for. Then, let their fruit and maturity and the Ruachs guidance tell you what they truly need from you and are ready for; if anything at all.

The Ruach is a much better teacher than any of us! He just doesn't need our help and will use these people to show us exactly that. Don't get me wrong....I'm not saying we shouldn't teach. I'm saying we should pray more about who, when, where, and why before embarking in that type of relationship. And relationship is the key! The sheep know and trust the shepherd! A good shepherd knows (has a relationship with) their sheep. That is also what allows the shepherd to spot a goat that gets in before it has a chance to destroy!

Final thoughts:

Don't take in a goat because you have no sheep. They eat everything in site, destroy what you've built for future sheep, and run sheep off when they come (usually when your back is turned).

Shalom!
Karen