Diffusion of Responsibility & Catalysts of Change
Last weekend in church I taught in our Sunday school class on the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10. It is fascinating that Luke, being a physician, shares this powerful story of how a Samaritan (who wouldn't typically associate with a Jew- See John 4:9) had compassion on the man who was beaten and taken advantage of by the robbers on his journey from Jerusalem. There are a number of really profound things we find in this story. I want to focus on just one though.
Maybe the most important message of this account is the concept of the diffusion of responsibility. The Priest & Levite diffused the responsibility of helping this half dead Jew. Their perspective likely was that they had other, more important things to take care of and that someone else was sure to help this man. This is a very real thing in our world today. When we see or experience others in need, we're quick to diffuse the responsibility and assume others will help, rather than stepping up to be a catalyst of change for that person or situation. Ghandi's famous quote- "Be the change you want to see in the world" screams the story of the Good Samaritan. So, whether you're in pastoral ministry, corporate America, bagging groceries, or flipping burgers- remember the message of this powerful story. It's about the individual person and our responsibility to be agents of change in our world. Not only is it about the individual person, it's also about the environments we're in. How about your work environment? Be the change you want to see. Don't pass by troublesome situations assuming higher leadership will fix the issue. Be a catalyst and show initiative. How about your friendships? Don't pass by and diffuse the need for encouragement and prayer to others. Be the change you want to see- be the Good Samaritan.
Check out the following video that will illustrate the sadness of our situations and the need for us to step up our game.
Maybe the most important message of this account is the concept of the diffusion of responsibility. The Priest & Levite diffused the responsibility of helping this half dead Jew. Their perspective likely was that they had other, more important things to take care of and that someone else was sure to help this man. This is a very real thing in our world today. When we see or experience others in need, we're quick to diffuse the responsibility and assume others will help, rather than stepping up to be a catalyst of change for that person or situation. Ghandi's famous quote- "Be the change you want to see in the world" screams the story of the Good Samaritan. So, whether you're in pastoral ministry, corporate America, bagging groceries, or flipping burgers- remember the message of this powerful story. It's about the individual person and our responsibility to be agents of change in our world. Not only is it about the individual person, it's also about the environments we're in. How about your work environment? Be the change you want to see. Don't pass by troublesome situations assuming higher leadership will fix the issue. Be a catalyst and show initiative. How about your friendships? Don't pass by and diffuse the need for encouragement and prayer to others. Be the change you want to see- be the Good Samaritan.
Check out the following video that will illustrate the sadness of our situations and the need for us to step up our game.
Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. -James 4:17
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