Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Are We A Bitter Volunteer?
Are We A Bitter Volunteer?
Just because someone agrees to do something with a smile on their face, does not mean all is well.
In 2 Samuel 9, David remembers a promise he made to Jonathan to take care of his family. Since he loved Jonathan and now had the opportunity and means, he searches for any indigent member of Saul’s household.
They ask Ziba, a former servant of Saul. This former servant is doing well for himself. He has 15 sons and 20 servants. He tells David of the crippled son of Jonathan. David then restores all the land of King Saul to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. Then David orders Ziba, along with his sons and servants to cultivate the land for Mephibosheth, and bring the produce in so that his master’s grandson may have food and eat of it; eventhough Mephibosheth will eat at David’s table continually.
Did you notice that Ziba gets none of the profits, Mephibosheth gets all the profits, and doesn’t even need the food that is grown and sold because Mephibosheth eats at the table of David? How would you feel about this arrangement?
Ziba agrees to serve. But is this the beginning of Ziba’s resentment, bitterness, and envy?
The next time we meet Ziba, David’s son, Absalom, is in rebellion and David flees from his home. Ziba meets him with needed provision and a tale: Mephibosheth remained in Jerusalem thinking, ‘Today the house of Israel will return the kingdom of my father to me.’”
Was this true?
The next time we meet Mephibosheth, David is restored to his throne. Mephibosheth had come down to meet the king; and he had not done anything to his feet, his mustache, nor washed his clothes, from the day David was overthrown to when he was reestablished.
Three Questions:
1. Does that sound like someone trying to regain his father’s throne?
2. Why would Ziba lie about Mephibosheth?
3. Do you surmise Ziba has grown in resentment, bitterness, and envy?
If my reasoning is sound, here are three lessons:
1. Be careful about making people do something from which they receive no benefit, even when you have the authority.
2. Be careful not to allow ill feelings concerning obligations to corrupt you and how you feel towards others.
3. Be careful not to agree to something that will cause ill will. It is doubtful Ziba thought he could ask David for a reprieve from this duty.
Recasting this ancient story into today, Churches (and any volunteer organization) can suffer when their people suffer burnout. Just because someone agrees to do something with a smile on their face, does not mean all is well.
Comments