DEALING WITH OPPOSITION

DAY 82

The word ‘opposition’ comes to mind after reading todays text. It simply refers to strong opinions that disagree with something or someone, and is often expressed in words or action. In a synergy-antagonism matrix used when engaging stakeholders, failing to identify your opposition is often at your own peril because real opponents will always seek for ways to undermine whatever you do or intend to.

The text today states expressly states: ‘the wicked say “Righteous people are nothing but a nuisance, so let’s look for chances to get rid of them. They are against what we do; they accuse us of breaking the Law of Moses and violating the traditions of our ancestors”(Wisdom 1:12). Seeing then as opposition will come at different points on our life journey, how do we deal with it?

1. Accommodate opposition
This isn’t a table set in front of my enemy, it is choosing to sit at table with the enemy knowing clearly all they represent. You can call it fraternising, but be mindful because before you know it, you could become blinded to the fact that they are really opposition.

2. Negotiate with opposition
The intention at this stage is with an aim to win them to your side. Here, your strong reasons are necessitated. But again, be mindful, this could become the realm of compromise because in negotiations, it is a give and take. So it is worth thinking about how much rope do you have to give.

3. Resist opposition
When it becomes evident that opposition has identified you as a target, you don’t accommodate or negotiate, it’s time for warfare. A time not for passive, but active reistance. St James enforces this ‘Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (4:7).

Therefore, don’t be too quick to accommodate or negotiate with opposition, discern when resistance is warranted.

#sly