Haters Are Necessary

Scroll through any social media site or listen to a few popular songs, and you will likely see and hear the word “hater” a few times. Our generation is obsessed with haters. On the one hand, “haters” are viewed in a negative light, and on the other hand, the existence of haters, or one having haters, is often seen as a stature symbol: You have some measure of talent, wealth, or beauty or you have attained something of great significance if people are hating on you.

When I examine Joseph’s story from an integrated perspective as opposed to a compartmentalized perspective, I can come to only one conclusion: “Haters” are necessary to the fulfillment of one’s destiny.

We know the end of the story. We know that Joseph would eventually become Egypt’s second-in-command. We also know that Joseph got to Egypt because his brothers sold him out of jealousy and hatred.

Could Joseph have gotten to Egypt through less antagonistic means? Absolutely. Still, the reality is that he got there because of his haters.

This realization is also why I do not discourage people from sharing their dreams with others. The reality is that no matter how selective we are in sharing our dreams, at some point in time, they will be shared with someone who doesn’t want to see us rule or reign; who doesn't like what God has called us to.

If you’re an entrepreneur, through a simple press article highlighting the products/services that you have made available to your customers, what you’re doing can come to the attention of a competitor who believes that they should be the one dominating the space that you have chosen to function in. They could embark on a journey to discredit you.

If you’re an athlete, you don’t ever have to speak your dream to become a professional cricketer or to make it to the NBA or NFL to anyone. They recognize what’s happening. The way you carry yourself on the court or field, or the disciplined approach towards your craft will signal to people that this man or woman is serious about their business. And many, for various reasons, will scorn your ascendance.

In an ideal world, these recognitions ought not to attract anything other than fellow humans who are rooting for your success – others who are content to see you reflect the glory of God – but the fallen nature of mankind has made it so that sometimes your gifts, successes, and disposition will attract jealousy, envy and even hate.

But fear not, for God, in his omniscience, has intended it for good, and in his omnipotence, he will utilize their evil to positively impact the lives of many.