Parameters

“A king rejoices in servants who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.” Proverbs 14:35

By John E. Schrock, Businessman

Underline the key concepts found in this principle.

Trespassing... is to go beyond the limits of what is morally correct, or to transgress, or intrude beyond the pre-established parameters. Interestingly enough, Jesus said that we should pray, "Father, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" (Matthew 6:14). Since trespassing means going beyond the limits, then there must be parameters or boundaries to live by. If the boundaries are not clearly marked, we may trespass and not know it. So, as this Proverb states, "A king rejoices in his servants who know what they are doing." This means that the king had a purpose and job description with parameters for his servants, so they knew what to do to please him.

Without knowing the king’s will or purpose, it cannot become our will or purpose. If the king or the company does not give us specific company policies with clear job description and goals, employees cannot measure their performance. We can only measure that which is expected. A king rejoices when servants "know what they are doing." Servants can only please the king if the king is clear with his expectations. So before we can have expectations, we must set clear goals with parameters for the game. This will give us a clear vision of what to do, and the freedom to work within these pre-structured parameters.

If we expect people to treat us fairly, we must first be fair ourselves. To do this, we must have proper parameters and boundaries established for those around us. Our kids will enjoy obeying us only if they know and understand our rules and our purpose. This makes them a part of the game. We cannot discipline anyone based on what we think they should have known, or they’ll feel like slaves. No one can enjoy performing without knowing what to expect, or what is expected. When performance is measured by expectations and both parties understand the purpose of the goal, work turns into a game. It will be "us" rather than "them"; it will be a company-employee team. There are certain areas of our lives which may appear gray, but for the most part people should have no doubt what we stand for and what we expect. This makes us predictable, and the game of guessing and uncertainty is over. God is clear in His expectations of His sons and daughters, and He has great rewards for our performance.

The second part of the Proverb states that the king "...is angry with those who cause trouble." We will find that most employees will respect their leaders if company goals and purpose are communicated clearly. They may not always agree with us, but will still respect us. There are, however, a few rebels who oppose everything and everyone. They have no idea what is fair. Fortunately, they are a small percentage of our society, but they do make the king angry - and they do have to be dealt with accordingly. So if our families or employees are angry with us, we should ask ourselves:

1) Are my expectations too high or unrealistic?

2) Are my parameters broad enough to allow freedom?

3) Is my attitude right in administering them?

If these are all done correctly, there should be very little trespassing. But then we may have a few "rebels" that not only trespass but transgress, and they "...do make the king angry."

But let’s do our part by setting clear expectations and parameters, or people may claim we are unfair.

This principle is part of the one year character development program: Foundations For Achievement.

Thoughts to Ponder:
Parameters are like musical notes, if followed there is great harmony..