Get someone else
At the start of a New Year, we’re often enthusiastic and eagerly looking forward to the blessings and joy of a new year.
But, what if we aren’t joyful about the opportunities of the New Year?
In our church, January is when new committee members take charge of their duties. In our small church, folks wear many hats and the numerous tasks to keeping our church operating smoothly are often unevenly distributed. We have many hard working people that take on multiple responsibilities, but we also have those who, when asked to assist, respond with:
- No
- I don’t have time.
- I don’t have enough experience in that role.
- And, the most frequently used excuse, er…reason–let someone else do it.
That’s true in many organizations–even large ones. Those who are able and willing to work, most often do the majority of the tasks to keep an organization running efficiently. I’ve experienced the same type of labor division in my career as well.
It seems that in many cases, the mantra which guides a large portion of our society is…
Let someone else do it.
We’ve all probably used that reasoning at some point in our lives and, in all honesty, it is unfair (and wrong) of us to pass judgment on others for what we perceive to be their lack of willingness to take ownership of necessary tasks.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5
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I admit to the “plank in my eye.” Unfortunately, that has not stopped me from judging the contributions of others, even though I’ve been warned not to do so. Perhaps, you are more filled with grace than I and you are able to resist the sin of judgment. But, it you are like me and sometimes pass judgment on those who don’t like to join in the work of an organization, perhaps you can provide some insight.
Can you help answer these questions?
How do we encourage people in church or any group effort to want to participate fully, not only in their attendance, but in their work to support an organization?
How do we stop judging people, that in our opinion, do not wish to participate fully in the life and work of an organization?
As I write this, I can feel the Holy Spirit’s presence convicting me, asking questions:
- Just who do you think you are?
- What gives you the right to question the decision of others whether to participate or not?
- Why are you judging whether someone’s involvement in an organization is enough?
- Who put you in charge?
Ouch!
Of course–I deserve the chastisement that I’m feeling.
And, as I pray about my attitude, I ask forgiveness for being judgmental, but sadly, I know it may happen again. I’m thankful that God is a forgiving God and that He will help me do better.
I will try to do better, but as one who tends to be an over-achiever and involved in a great many tasks, I confess to having little patience for those who, when asked to help, respond with, “Let someone else do it.”
For those (and for the ones that are working hard), I want to be an encourager, not a judge. Can you share some advice? I’m grateful for your prayers, my friends.
Katherine,
Oh, how I could relate to this post (you tend to do that to me!). I just came home from a meeting with one of our pastors where we discussed a new service project. I love the idea of the project but I’m afraid it will be like “pulling teeth” to get volunteers to make it happen. And to be honest, that really irks me. I left thinking, “Everyone one is busy. We all have a billion excuses not to serve. So what!”
Like you, I want to be an encourager, not a judge. So, I’m committing this project and all who HE CALLS to be involved to HIM.
Thank you for helping me make a major attitude adjustment, my friend.
Oh, Beckie–I feel your pain! I felt like I was in your shoes when you returned from your meeting. I’ve said those same words about being busy (and had a rotten attitude, too). You encouraged me today, my friend! I’m praying for you.
I’ve had these exact thoughts, Katherine, and honestly, I’ve had varying degrees of grace-giving during different phases of MY OWN service. Unfortunately, I struggle with giving grace and being an encourager when I perceive that someone isn’t doing their share of the workload!! But you are so right – that’s not for me to judge, and I need to pray about my attitude more fervently! Thanks for the reminder!
Julie, you are such an encourager and a positive role model. I’m praying for all of us that struggle (me too) with finding grace when we feel like we’re being buried under a mound of tasks. Thank you for blessing me today with your encouragement and prayers.
Katherine, I share your feelings. We started a new program at our church (in the early inception period) called PLACE where members take a 5-week course covering not only spiritual gifts but passions, natural strengths, and experiences. Everything is put together to help them determine not “if” they should serve, but “where”. I believe it’s a great program and hopefully we will be placing more servants of Christ in their best PLACE. Thank you for being honest and sharing your heart.
Donna, PLACE sounds like an awesome program. Did someone in your church develop it or is from a particular organization? I’d love to learn more about it. Thank you for your kindness and encouragement. Praying that PLACE inspires your church.
I just read Matthew 7 today in my yearly Bible reading plan. 🙂 I, too, have felt this way. People frequently will admonish “the church” to help people without acknowledging that they (and not just the pastoral staff) “are the church.” However, the flip side is also true. Many people lack the ability to say, “no” or “I have a lot on my plate,” and they take on too much. I’ve developed a respect for those to know their limitations and want to give their best efforts to the things they’ve already committed to.
Yes, Kelly, you are right on target. Many of us take on too heavy of a load and make ourselves and others miserable and don’t do our best work. It is essential to maintain balance and only accept the tasks that we can complete effectively and in a loving manner. Thank you for bringing up that very important point.
Katherine, thank you for honestly sharing thoughts we’ve probably all had and need to confess. I see three problematic choices related to church service. One is being critical of those who do not participate, two is refusing to use our gifts in the fellowship of believers, and the third is overcommitment to fill a slot when we have not been called. As important as serving the body is, overloading our plate to the detriment of our health and our family is not a good choice. Of course, we all realize that obedience to the Lord’s call is critical. Thank you for this thought-provoking message.
Jeannie, in three sentences you got right to the heart of the matter and said it much better than I. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, my friend.