Have You Been "Diddy-Done"?

So after watching 50 Cent's documentary on Diddy, titled "Sean Combs: The Reckoning, on Netflix I decided to pose this question to men and women all over the world. Have you been Diddy-done? I ask this to make you think. Diddy is a trending topic right now. So when I ask this question, I'm asking you have you been deceived, misled, taken advantage of, or "done wrong." I'll even go as far to ask were you the one doing the deceiving, misleading, taking advantage of, or doing other wrong??? In the case of Sean Combs, his recent legal and moral failures, including convictions for prostitution related charges, show how power, fame, and unchecked desire can lead to deep damage.

As believers, we can ask Have I been "Diddy-done" or was I the one acting like "Diddy"? have I allowed myself to be mislead, used, wounded, or led into sin by someone else, or have I used others in turn and been "done" by my own choices. The story of Diddy shows a man who rose to incredible heights. Music mogul, entrepreneur, cultural icon, and so forth. Yet the very power that elevated him enabled behavior from coercion to exploitation that led to his downfall. In our lives are there any areas where we're seduced by power, prestige, acceptance, only to later feel used or used others? The Bible warns that when we rely on our own strength or fame, we are vulnerable ( 1 Cor 10:12). Where in your life have you seen the lure of recognition or status invite compromise? And I want you to answer this question truthfully. To be "Diddy-done" means being the victim of someone's misuse of power or influence. I'm not shame to say that I have been "Diddy-done" before.  The indictment against Diddy alleges long-term coercion, manipulation, and abuse of women. For believers are there times you've been taken advantage of by people you trusted, in churches or workplaces? I don't mean any harm but I've seen people in churches being manipulated in so many ways but I'm got going to dive into that right now. But the word of God tells us to protect the vulnerable (James 1:27) and to walk wisely. How did being "done" by someone affect your trust, faith, and walk with God?

So this is the last thing I want to talk about because there are so many dimensions to this and I can go on and on is when we are the ones who misuse others, betray trust, or exploit relationships. I have to let you know that when you use your gifts, influence, and status to harm people that it does not exempt you from being held accountable. Galatians 6:7-8 says sowing to the flesh leads to corruption. In what ways have you knowingly or unknowingly hurt others or used relationships for self-gain? Things that make you go hummmmmm. So I have some good news to offer you. Cause I know that this is heavy for some. Even if you were "Diddy-done" or you were the one doing the "diddying" lol, the gospel is available to you. Psalms 32 shows the relief of confessing sin. James 4:17 reminds us to act on what we know is right. So it was reported that Diddy turned to the Bible during his trial, reading scriptures in court. But I'm going to say this. The external move wasn't and isn't enough. We have to stop treating God as if he's someone that we only go to when we are in trouble. Yes he says in his word that in the time of trouble he will hide us but there are also consequences to sin. We should be in communication with God all the time, not just in times of trouble. And he evens asks us shall we continue in sin that grace will abide. God forbid. Your grace will run out. The wages of sin is death. Physical, spiritually, and mentally because he will turn you over to a reprobate mind. That's in the scriptures. Jesus calls for genuine heart change (Matthew 23:27-28). So my question is what does true repentance look like in your life? Are you willing to walk the path of restoration even though it may be a painful one?    

 As I end this blog  think about your own story. Have you felt exploited or used? Are you carrying unresolved hurt? Have you ever misused someone else's trust or power? How did  that affect you spiritually? And what realistic and practical step can you take this week towards healing and accountability? The phrase "Diddy-done" may be colloquial, but the spiritual truth behind it are serious. All of us are vulnerable to being misled, misused, and even misbehaving. If you say you've never misbehaved you a lie and the truth is not in you. I just wanted to put something on your mind to think about. Good night to all and to all a good night.