Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 4, 2018
Drive out the mocker and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. Proverbs 22:10
Some people are set on setting others on edge with their uncaring actions. Whether it’s for affect, or from a malicious heart their goal is to get under the skin of their victims and gain control. You know they are in charge when they are able to manipulate your emotions. They prey on good people. Chronic troublemakers only listen to what they want to hear, and will not reason. They mock authority and use gossip to facilitate fear.
Their approach may be passive or active, but either way the result is the same: strife, quarrels and insults. There is relational wreckage after they inflict their influence into a situation. Why doesn’t someone stand up to their intimidation tactics? Perhaps people are afraid of conflict, or are not confident to challenge such a persuasive persona. Left alone a mocker will scoff and scorn until they get their way. They are ungracious and abusive.
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down” (Proverbs 26:20).
So what is the leader to do? How do you respond to an attitude that sows discord within your organization? Ignoring is not an option, because their intensity of words will only increase. It’s up to the leader to lead, and in this case to clearly define expectations with verbal and written communication. Perhaps there is another party prodding on the mocker. If so, make sure to include them in the cessation of unacceptable actions.
Make clear if their shenanigans do not cease then they will need to transition out of the business or ministry. It is imperative you do not allow one or two people to spoil the spirit of an entire team or company. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough” (Galatians 5:9).
The Lord does not tolerate troublemakers, “No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure” (Psalm 101:5, NASB).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to remove if necessary, the disruptive person who demoralizes the team, in Jesus’ name amen.Application
Will I be bold and confront pride and arrogance? Am I willing to make the hard decision for the team’s sake?Related Reading
Nehemiah 4:1-3; Proverbs 26:20-21; Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:5-6Post/Tweet today
Leaders lead by clearly defining expectations with repeated verbal and written communication. #wisdomhunters #troublemakersWorship Resource
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Is someone in the family on staff at Passion City Church?
In a business atmosphere and ministry, the word expectation needs to be replaced with standards, policy, obligation, core values. The word expectation is a self prophecy hoping for the outcome you want. When that outcome is not met it takes on a negative personal tone
Dear Kevin,
Thank you for responding to “Remove Troublemakers” with your wise perspective. Your words give us something to ponder when it comes to expectation in business and ministry. I had not thought of expectation as “a self prophecy” but you make a solid point. Thank you for that. We are always so grateful to hear from our family of Wisdom Hunter’s because they offer so much valuable input. Your comments did just that.
We are thankful for you and look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.”
Psalm 25:4-5