The Benefit of the Doubt

Human nature is funny, I think we all for the most part want to give people the benefit of the doubt. The problem is if that is our natural bent then we can do that and not even realize it. I was talking with a friend I use to work with and he was sharing his feelings about something and it was kinda of like that slap in the face that wakes you from a nap. It kinda shocks your system back into a state of being awake again and all of a sudden you are aware of your surroundings again. In the same way it is funny how as time goes by and you are not in a constant state of dysfunction and denial you start to give people this benefit again, even ones you know don't deserve it! As James 1:6 says, 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind, I don't want to be like a wave tossed by the wind! As the saying states it is giving a benefit of the doubt, which we must understand who we give this benefit to and why! It is not something we should do lightly. Now I am not saying you should be cynical all the time, but I am saying there is truth in the saying about fool me once, fool me twice. Sometimes people have a vision for a future that is not healthy and they will do anything to take everyone along for the ride and like anything in life the ones being taken along for the ride see only how it fulfills the vision they have for their own life. They then go right along with it no matter how wrong it is and make justifications for it. It reminds me of nepotism, there is a reason why large successful companies have policies forbidding it. Yet we see it all the time and sometimes it is not even family, but friends. The problem is when the question has to be answered, the organization or family/friendship? On either side the answer is rarely family/friendship it is invariably the organization that suffers as a result. I know I am far from perfect and have a great deal to still learn, but the truth is if you are going to give the benefit of the doubt, make sure you realize what that benefit entails because it could cost the individual you are benefiting far greater than yourself. Remember to stand up for what is right no matter the cost and God will always honor it!