Guilt as a Motivator

I was reading a number of blogs to orient myself with a community of LDS writers and came across some rather interesting articles and comment sections. I noticed that while the subjects covered were based on spiritual or historical context, the form of expression was very similar to the political bloggers I’ve been associating with for these past couple of years.

One article written by Keryn at a site called PonderIt, was on Guilt (linked via title bar) which referenced a talk given by Elder Ballard during General Conference. The admonition by Elder Ballard was to encourage members along with positive rewards rather than heaping guilt on folks as a means to obtain results.

Guilt is a natural consequence for having obtained the Second Estate, for having become a member of the human race here in mortality. Guilt cannot be avoided, nor should it be discounted as it is the conscious mind’s acknowledgement of short comings that should be addressed in order to progress. The point of Elder Ballard’s talk was in the context of motivating those in your sphere of influence to achieve progress through positive stimulation rather than negative.

I will use an example of my own to provide my opinion. This past year there were many opportunities for the folks along the Gulf Coast to provide assistance to victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. There was, without a doubt, genuine destruction and despair which required an extraordinary effort, an effort which continues in lesser degree until the present time. Church members were asked to serve in a variety of efforts; simple tasks which when looked at individually did not seem too important, when lumped together with other efforts improved the quality of life for those in need.

I was asked to help at our stake center building as boxes of personal care items were assembled to be distributed to those being sheltered at the Astrodome. We stood around tables in the cultural hall with piles of soap bars that needed to be unwrapped to lessen the likelihood of that wrapper becoming unnecessary waste material at the Astrodome. It was a simple issue and yet, once explained made perfect sense.

Others were enlisted to travel to the areas of destruction where they used chain saws and considerable effort to remove downed trees one yard at a time. Those who signed up to provide these services left early, stayed long hours and returned thoroughly exhausted from the physically demanding labors.

In my Sunday PEC meetings we would go over many topics, hurricane relief efforts being only one of these items. One of the opinions voiced went something like Shakespeare’s now famous lines; impugning the efforts, or supposed lack of efforts by those who had taken any job less strenuous.

“…Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.”

I pointed out to the good brother that each individual volunteered for tasks based on the ability to carry out those tasks, their own physical limitations, time spent away from other commitments such as business or other employment needs. I cautioned him not to forget that any service provided was an act of sacrifice not to be overlooked as insignificant.

My eyebrow must have arched as I took a moment to catch this brother eye to eye, a mild challenge to step outside and settle this “man to man”, in an otherwise spiritual meeting. I still have areas, many areas as I have noticed, which need to be worked on to progress; all the same I would have enjoyed a quick scuffle after having listened to his remarks. It was my way of reminding him that good efforts are best obtained through kind and thoughtful means rather than laying on a guilt trip for not running with the bulls.

We all will have moments as we quietly reflect, “Did I do the right thing? Could I have done more or done a better job? Did I shrink from the test when it came my way?” These questions haunt each of us as we strive to do the will of our Father in Heaven, provided we are of a mind to do that which is asked to begin with. Those in leadership positions at each level need to recognize the principles taught by the Lord and those He has placed to lead this Church.