When You Get Walked On

There is a good chance someone will walk over you today. It could be that they just don’t see you there. Perhaps they do and don’t like you. What’s worse is that on some of those occasions you actually get walked on. That is no fun. Not much to say there. Getting walked on is about the worst feeling. It is disrespectful, devaluing, and generally humiliating. You can count on it, most of the time if someone walks on you they are trying to move up and they just don’t care how they do it. The bad thing is, you don’t get to determine if you get walked on. That is entirely out of your control.

While you can’t determine whether or not someone walks on you, you are totally in control of how you respond. For most people, the first response when they realize another person’s foot is on their head is to grab it and flip them right into the surrounding mud. The idea is, “If you are going to step on me, you are going to trip over me.” After all, they’ve earned it, right? But the better response to being stepped on, is to be a stepping stone. Stepping stones are there to be walked on. They are there to keep people on the right path, and keep them from the mud or water. Stepping stones aren’t appreciated unless they are not there. They don’t get any recognition. Often times they just become so much a part of their surroundings that they are barely noticed. But they are also beautiful in a way. They show the better way. No one was ever thankful that they tripped over a jagged rock. In fact, they often curse the rock that caused them to stumble. No… people likely won’t thank you for letting them step on you. But they will be thankful when they get to their destination.

The only difference between a stepping stone and a stumbling block is basically how helpful they are in getting the traveler across treacherous terrain. That is not determined by the one walking, but by the one being walked upon. And in the end, your humble status is recognized by the One who was unfairly walked upon by everyone. I will admit that Jesus was a rock of offense to those who would not value His sacrifice. And honestly, there are some people who are so uncoordinated that they will slip on the smoothest of stepping stones and plant their face in the mud. That is on them. What is on you is to be a help and not a hindrance to another person’s walk. Personally, I know that some of the people I walked on helped me become the person I am today, and I am thankful.

The apostle Paul, who had walked on people before his conversion, and was walked on by many people after he became a Christian leader put it this way, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: ‘Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay,’ says the Lord. But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)

Check out David's other work at Heart Of Ministry.

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