facing reality

some are like Ananias.
they come to you in your hour of darkness
bringing light and healing and good news.

some are like Barnabas
the "son of consolation."
they come to you
when no one understands how you have changed,
and encourage you to prove yourself.

some are like Hymenaeus, Philetus, or Alexander,
wolves in sheep's clothing.
they fight the Truth,
and they fight you because you proclaim the truth.

some are like John Mark,
abandoning you when the going gets tough
for their own convenience,
for their own comfort,
for their own security.

some are like Demas
and forsake you because they love this world.

some are like Diotrophes.
they reject you
because they love the preeminence.

one is your Shepherd.
He is more than enough.