A lot of what is misconstrued as hustling is actually a devotion to entering and remaining in the good books of certain people whom we hope to derive benefits from. You are going to find a whole lot of it in the corporate surrounding. Many do it to secure employment, remain employed and scale up the ladder.
It is quite terrible in business. Which is why such seekers are inclined to give to their perceived benefactors whatever it is they demand.
It is interpreted as “giving unto Caesar”!
This is the shameful bane of many so-called ministries. An inclination to please certain men in order to obtain and retain their favour which translates to material realization. I am ashamed to observe the ridiculous practice of pleasing people just to retain their attendance and membership. This is the reason there is an epidemic rise of evil in our society, a wellspring from our churches where the Lord is merely honoured in name but is not trusted as the One from whom blessings flow.
The truth is, if this is the mind frame you operate from, you are walking straightforward into slavery. You have probably seen pictures of captives from the transatlantic slave trade marching with heavy chains around their necks and legs. That, I’m afraid, is an accurate photograph of yourself in this self-inflicted status!
I marvel at how many enslave themselves instead of setting themselves free by putting their trust in the name of the Lord. You cannot serve men and serve the Lord! You might delude yourself that you can but it is practically impossible. What it will take to please man will leave you absolutely drained with little left to yourself, let alone serving God. Many who are never there to give freewill service to God’s work have to memorise the birthday of the boss, his wife and each one of their children, and be the first to report there on each occasion to take on servile duties, upon which they are rarely appreciated but rather despised! And that is just the tip of the iceberg.
It is the worst form of idolatry. All because you refused to have your mind reformed and genuinely accept Christ.
You are a lot better off without whatever the Lord has not given you. Must you receive your increase from the devil’s hands? Numerous marriages, even of so-called Christians, have perished because of greed and insatiable appetite for material things.
The devil fears those who will be prepared to do without. It is your rebellion against God that makes you seek to even up with others. It is your rebellion that makes you despise yourself instead of staying content and thankful for whatever God gives, and whatever you are called to give up temporarily, or permanently.