“By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.” Proverbs 29:19
Devotional Thought For The Day
This proverb addresses a problem that many of us face from time to time. It may also describe a problem that others have with us. The proverb describes circumstances when a “servant” [whether it be a child, an employee, a co-worker, or even an employer or judge or minister, or perhaps even a corporation or governmental agency – all of whom are a “servant” to someone and for some greater purpose] is able to understand what needs to be done, what his proper duty is, but refuses to respond appropriately – with the right actions. Jesus told a parable about such a person, a judge [Luke 18:1-5]. This is obviously one of the most frustrating experiences we have, when we know what needs to be done and are zealous and ambitious to accomplish it, but our success depends upon others over whom we have little or no control.
The proverb observes the obvious – there are many people who are quite adept at ignoring mere words and avoiding action and responsibility. The point of the proverb is that we must often contemplate other actions in order to get a proper and productive response. In such circumstances, the Scripture is clear that we must not fight evil with evil; whatever action is contemplated must have the good of all as its goal, even the good of the one who refuses to comply. Second, the action taken to increase the motivation of the servant, and to finally get the appropriate response, must be moral. Third, we might want to be prepared for and calculate the potential harm that such a person may contemplate and attempt to inflict – for those who do not respond to verbal instruction often rebel, sometimes even violently, to more forceful motivation. The wicked [lazy] are capable of greater wickedness [harm, slander, violence].
None of us likes to consider exerting more energy and time than should be necessary to obtain the compliance of others. It is a waste. None of us likes to be exposed to the harm that such wicked servants may be capable of inflicting. And certainly, none of us likes to press painful alternatives of discipline upon others. Most of us prefer to be likeable, kind, amicable, and pleasant, and to engage people peacefully and civilly; but this is not possible where we have responsibilities and we have to depend upon and deal with lazy, stubborn, self-willed, arrogant, and privileged individuals who refuse to participate in the common good [but still insist upon benefiting from the common good – drawing a wage, receiving a living, or enjoying other benefits]. We are not alone in this difficulty and it is not modern, but universal.
Understanding these dynamics, we should first consider our own recalcitrance, rebelliousness, laziness, and stubbornness, and repent. God does forgive us – “the blood of Jesus Christ His cleanses us from all sin.” However, if we are genuinely repentant we might want to think carefully and deeply about the harm and angst we inflict on others who are depending on us, when we refuse to respond appropriately. When it comes to dealing with such unresponsive “servants,” I came across a most helpful bit of advice – not to take personal responsibility for the laziness of others, and not to feel bad about the negative motivation we at times have to apply to move lazy and stubborn people to do their duty. We need to focus on the good which needs to get done and to remember that the fault lies with the wicked and slothful. So long as our motivation is good for all, and so long as our tactics are moral, we should not feel poorly about or internalize the pain that may be involved in the discipline or the conflict.
This is easier said than done, for people who are decent, kind, compassionate, caring, and empathetic. Lazy people count on us to let them slide, and to assume guilt for their lack of production. Our commitment to love – to putting the best construction on all things, to hoping all things, believing all things, and trusting all things – often compels us to take on greater responsibility for the failings of others than is warranted or healthy. So the proverb stands as a foundation for clearly understanding reality, and for sorting out responsibility, and for showing and emboldening us in our duty, and in avoiding facilitation and abetting of such laziness and stubbornness. Anything that helps relieve the knots in our gut that form over such conflict, and enables us to move beyond procrastination to doing OUR duty, is a good and healthy thing.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, we are stubborn at times in avoiding our duty, and perhaps lazy. Forgive us for these sins, and help us, by the experience of Your love, to grow more eager and energetic in truly loving others by deed and action. We are also loathe to engage in conflict and battle in order to move others to fulfill their duty. Forgive us for our fear and lack of courage, and the mistakes we make in mis-assigning accountability. Grant us good motives so that we seek no harm but only good. Grant us strength, wisdom, and self-discipline so that we become more effective in helping others do the good that is expected from them, that is their duty. Finally, grant us peace of mind and ease of conscience as we lovingly fulfill our duties. Amen.