In regard to my new God-given assignment, I won’t allow myself to become emotionally drained against those who steal any of my ideas. After all, there really aren’t any ‘new’ ideas, right? Consider what the Bible states, “…there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Then, I have to look closely and ask myself, “did this person steal my idea or did they steal my (work or ministry) contents? There’s a big difference you know. ~Selah
I must be honest though, I have taken pieces of information from other people’s narratives, books or quotes to use it within my projects…written or otherwise. Most times however, I will include the credits or source.
When my heart or my flesh fail, the Lord is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26). This scripture helps me to cope when my flesh gets infuriated that others have copied my idea or work. The good thing is, I don’t allow those emotions to fester long or become permanent. Either I will do biblical self-introspection of my ways, and take what I’m feeling to the Lord or the Holy Spirit will, out of love and correction, show me the error of my ways (1 Corinthians 13:11).
On the other hand, I must remind myself that the alleged copier must feel creatively devoid of his/her God-given originality to have, with no real effort, copied my idea or work then pass it off as their own. Consider this quote by Jason Fried:
“How do you know if you’re copying someone? If someone else is doing the bulk of the work, you’re copying. Be influenced, but don’t steal.”
My solution, to pray for that individual. He or she may be internally tormented as they’re measuring their self-worth against another person. The imitator perhaps is in need of being set free from unresolved offenses, deception or trauma which resulted in their covets or emulation. Bible Study Tools online provides, in the Greek, the word emulation. It means Zelos …eager rivalry. In english it denotes a negative “zeal,” “earnestness,” or “enthusiasm.” I believe its roots are from the unrenewing of soul that’s interwoven into one’s behavior—carnality. Emulation or copying is classed among “the works of the flesh” and signifies the stirring up of jealousy or envy in the hearts of others. Stealing other’s ideas or works also marks them as inwardly desiring a place of honor (Read: Acts 4:36 — 5:10, Galatians 5:20, Acts 13:45).
In my view, too often the copier may be “ignoring something amazing that the Lord has in store for them and wants them specifically to be a part of*.” My solution, to wholeheartedly stay focused on my assignment from the Lord, and to bring glory to Him only. When I do this, I will do better than I could ever imagine, in Jesus’ name. Now copy that.
Scriptures:
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1,2
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Proverbs 10:9
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16
Note: * Inspired by Jason Fried’s quote
Yahobahne "Designs" 