Conflict
in any relationship arises from several factors. In work-related relationships
in particular, role ambiguity occurs when someone is uncertain about what is
expected of him/her. Relationship-related stress can actually be minimized, if
not altogether avoided, if roles and competence are clearly defined. Having
such would allow all parties in any relationship to know what to expect from
each other.
John
the Baptist for his part had a clearly defined task. This entailed knowing
fully well when and where his role begins and ends. One day upon seeing Jesus
he testified about Jesus to the crowd, saying”…the reason why I came baptizing
with water was that He might be made known to Israel” (Jn 1:23). Earlier in this
same incident when asked of his identity John categorically stated that he is
not the Messiah (Jn 1:15) and appropriated to himself the role of “a voice
crying in the wilderness” (Jn 1:17) to herald the coming of the real redeemer
of the world. Indeed when roles are clearly made conflicts of expectations and
their resulting stress are fairly put at bay and prevented.
Best
wishes for the year 2017, full of JOY and Role completion.
