The Paradox of Forced Compliance

THE PARADOX OF FORCED COMPLIANCE

In a spiritual paradigm of free will, how do we motivate change in another person, or indeed how do we ensure compliance with spiritual behaviours?

The usual method is instruction.  This is where we show people scriptures that highlight the need for compliance as it pertains to the spiritual maturity of the believer.  When used in this way, however  it has the tendency to be perceived as a mode of control and therefore actively resisted and the required behaviour not adopted.

These scriptures that are truly the word of God to a lost world are to be read and absorbed as part of the believers "walk life".  When they are told of their lack it can have a negative effect rather than a positive one.

 
The question that should always be asked is this;

"What is the motivation of the speaker?"

If it is to get a person to comply with a spiritual perception then the method of instruction will have an authoritative feel to it. On the other hand if the purpose is to help the person to grow in their experience of God then the method is respectful and generally has a genuineness and humility in the telling.

Understanding why the person is speaking can also give a clear indication as to whether compliance is appropriate.  There are times when compliance is required, and free will is suspended.  Not by the decision of the believer in question but rather it is a forced imposition.  This negates the scriptural basis for such compliance.  Our denial of self should be motivated out of our relationship with the Lord. If we are instructed to comply then the reaction is usually one of rebellion.  This is a normal response to tyranny, and make no mistake it is tyranny.

 
The main thing to remember is that you are a sovereign individual before God. No one has the right to take that away. You have the right to suspend your right of free will,  that but it cannot be mandated.  The minute it becomes a requirement of acceptance then the usurpation of the believer begins.

If we as leaders are truly focused on helping people gain a relationship with the
Lord then this must motivate our interactions with his children. Without this underlying motivation to help them grow in their relationship with the Lord we tend to have an attitude of instruction instead of a mutually beneficial growth relationship.

I guess the question is what is the responsibility of the leader/teacher. Is it to train or is it to impart a desire for the growth in themselves. To acquire the level of relationship with the Lord where they would be positively motivate to change in and of themselves?

Are we as leaders responsible to bring change or to create an atmosphere where the recipient of our ministrations feel safe and encouraged enough to risk?  For indeed true growth cannot come without risking our current paradigm.  However it will only be lasting and in-depth growth if they themselves, out of the desire for a deeper relationship with the Lord, choose to grow.

Growth takes as long as it takes. Have we become so methodistic as a body that everything must comply to a set quantifiable outcomes?  Do we have to manufacture our disciples the same way? By batching them together and then picking out the defects at the end?  We are all different yet we celebrate, affirm and require conformity? Why can't we simply walk beside them and model this "Walk Life" for them.

Coming back to our title, 'The Paradox of Forced Compliance'. If we are truly trying to grow people in Christ then the only thing you get using this, is their compliance.  You don't get their heart or their 'buy in'.  So if all you want is compliance then go ahead, but if you want growth then you need to pursue an  emotional, intellectual and spiritual connectedness with the person.

You must stay true to the goal.  Compliance is not growth. It is simple the acquiescence of the will. 

 


Shalom

Dave Mc