EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, AND THE GULLIBLE

People who are compensated for the work they do are called employees. Don't tick them off. 

They are not those with whom one can trifle. 

They don't respond well to drama that's not specifically outlined in their job descriptions. 

They know their rights and responsibilities. 

They definitely know what specific day they should see a significant increase in the amount of their bank accounts. 

They also keep close track on the glorious days on which they will be missing in action--but still drawing a paycheck.

People who seek out, and do work out of love, kindness, and with no expectation of being compensated, are called volunteers. Don't tick them off, either. 

It's never wise to mishandle a volunteer army or try to treat them as if they are employees. 

Remember, they don't have to be there, and, should unnecessary drama ensue, they can decide to be missing in action at any time.

People who work and are not compensated, yet they consistently pay out of their own pockets and resources for the opportunity to work, are either slaves, or the most gullible suckers on Earth. Their labor is regularly, and sternly demanded in order to sustain an individual or organization. 

No matter how good a job they do, there is never any benefit to them or their lives. 

They are always being threatened about being replaced and drama is a daily part of the job. 

People feel empowered to treat them any old kind of way because they have not come to the realization that something is very, very, VERY wrong with their picture. 

You've got to know which of the three you are, or are going to be, and you should know AHEAD of time. 

You have to be clear about it.

It's funny how situations are carried out by the book, managed according to strict standards, full of demands, expectations, warnings and ultimatums when it comes to the task you are assigned. Everything is treated as if it's critical. Folk darn near worry you to death expressing the importance of a thing; what you MUST do, where you MUST be, at what time and place--or else. 

Then the subject of money/ compensation comes up, and the unbelievable stickiness of the subject, and the suddenness of the change in demeanor concerning the work can be downright sickening. 

Suddenly, professionalism falls apart, and what was so rigid before, becomes cloudy, condescending, syrupy and slick.

If one is business-like in all other aspects of a thing, one knows exactly what the going rate is for what one wants done. 

Better still, one should seriously ask oneself what one would settle for if the tables were turned. 

One really should stop being surprised and agitated when people fully expect to be fairly compensated for the work they're asked to do. 

Hearing the words, 'sacrifice", "ministry", "support" coming out of your mouth shouldn't make others want to throw up.
Be consistent. One simply cannot lapse in and out of business mode when it's convenient, and expect to be taken seriously, responded to promptly, or respected. 

One can't expect people to continue to believe the lie that every other expense, frivolous or otherwise, can be covered except compensating the people who do the work.

One cannot consistently test the strength of one's friendships on the backs of their friends' livelihoods, wallets and purses. 

There are those who are confident that they can enlist the services of others at a moment's notice. They think they have command of others, but the truth is that it doesn't take people long to learn when, and with whom they need to switch into 'heartily as unto the Lord" mode.

Too many people, who are well able, are professional at keeping all of the marbles for themselves. 

They're great at wanting, and expecting something significant of others, but have no desire or intention to adequately reward them. 

Too many have perfected the sly art of convincing others that their time, effort, talent and energy is worthless--except to the extent that it profits/ promotes everyone and everything else except themselves.

There's a prevailing attitude that you should just understand. You should be glad to be in the number, (especially when so many others would kill for the opportunity). 

You should blindly sing, dance, pick, spin and weave the cotton, do what you're told, jump on cue, and not have any expectations, questions or concerns. 

Sometimes you have to weigh a situation, examine it's track record. You need to see whether some things have been beneficial, liabilities, or uneven, burdensome loads. 

When it comes to some things and people, you have to become professional at saying, "No", and not regret it at all.

Never be so hard pressed to do or participate in ANYTHING, that you lower your own standards, waste valuable time, or neglect your own interests and priorities.

I sincerely believe that God will direct you where to sow. It will be in a place where your seed is valued, not wasted, disregarded or misused, and you, too, will benefit.