Agitators are Everywhere

“Men are like fish. Neither would get into trouble if they kept their mouth shut.” Unknown

Read: Proverbs 3:29-32

The older I get the more I realize there are all types of people in this world; many who are satisfied being unsatisfied or not content. I will eventually write about every type; however, today I’d like to cover a sub-type. This sub-type can be found in every type or category of person. I am talking about Agitators. Agitators have the profound gift of drawing out the worst in people. In the Christian realm, we call it “getting in the flesh.” That basically means that you did not allow the Holy Spirit to direct you in that moment but rather your old nature. Agitators tend to be unhappy people who subconsciously try to get everyone else down to their level. In fact, they can’t stand that you are always happy and on top even if things look bleak………….like getting angry and fretting would solve the problems at hand. Right! Every time I think about agitators I think about washers…….yes, I meant laundry washers. Washers come built with an agitator in the center of the tub. They are the white stem in the middle of the washer. The job of an agitator is to shake loose the dirt. Likewise, Agitators bring out the worst in us. The question then is: How do we deal with Agitators?

1. Feel sorry for them. They have to live with themselves on a daily basis. In fact, feel sorry for their families because they have to put up with that barrage of criticism daily.

2. Understand them. Understand that’s who they are. It is easier for me to deal with an agitator if I know that’s their hang-up. Many times, they hate what they do but they are powerless to defeat it. Unless they turn to Christ in full surrender, they will continue in that path getting worse as time goes on.

3. Avoid them. I hate to say this but avoid them. Eventually, you will realize that you cannot change them. That is an act of God not you. Avoid their negative diatribe, and help them when the opportunity arises. If you constantly hang around with them, they will drain your spirit. You will then be no go for anyone else. In fact, you may just pick up their habit.

4. Pray for them. Again, this is something only God can change and only if they recognize their problem and let God help them. Remember, they more than likely do not like being an Agitator just like you dislike your hang-up, so pray for them.

5. Finally: Are you an Agitator or an Uplifter?