Jacob Chanikuzhy

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This proverb admonishes us against meddling with things that are functioning well. Some people have a tendency to reorganize many things once they assume the topmost office. They initiate certain reforms not because they are absolutely necessary or even useful but just to prove that they are smarter than their predecessors or just to enjoy the exercise of their authority. In some cases, they may even have some ulterior motives behind the so called reforms. Unnecessary tampering might hinder the well-being of the company or organization and disturb the peace and unity prevailing among the workers members. Hence the wise saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Sometimes the urge to fix what is not broken is felt also by the common people as well. A case in point is the demand of the people of Israel for a king. Israel had good leadership to guide and protect them. Leaders like Moses liberated them from slavery in Egypt. When they were attacked by neighbouring nations, judges came to their rescue. Justice and peace reigned in people’s lives under the leadership of the prophet Samuel. But when the prophet Samuel grew old, rather than enjoying the leadership of a wise and holy prophet, people desired a young and handsome king. However, instead of getting frustrated at the ingratitude of the people, Samuel opted to bid farewell after anointing a new king for them.

The farewell message of Samuel (1 Samuel 12), the outgoing leader of Israel, highlights some significant points that all the incoming or incumbent authorities should take note of. Samuel seemingly subjects himself to a public trial. First, he asks whether he has taken any of their asses or oxen. With this question, he clears himself of any misappropriation of their material possessions. He has not abused his authority to make any material profit for himself or for his dependents. This question is very important because the new king, who was the choice of the people, would later take for himself not only the best of the vineyards and other real estate that the people have, but also their sons and daughters. But Samuel leaves his office with a spotless financial record.

Secondly, Samuel asks the people whether he has oppressed anyone with his authority. When the wicked get authority, they oppress those they do not like. What a relief it will be to leave the office with the realization that one has not abused one’s authority to oppress others. Such people can enjoy the rest of their lives without any pricks of conscience.

Thirdly, Samuel asks the people about his commitment to truth and justice. The selfish people who come to power might ignore truth and justice for personal gains. It is without the baggage of any such gains, Prophet Samuel now relinquishes his leadership role. Samuel also expresses his willingness to repay any unjust deeds he may have done. People unanimously cleared Samuel of any selfish, unjust, or unfair deeds.

So Samuel steps down from his office as an authentic man of God without being tainted by any corruption, although he was vested with full power and authority for long. When the people confirmed his righteousness, Samuel did not accuse them of unjustly demanding a king in his place. He does not ask them to do him any favours either. Rather, he started to upbraid them for their unfaithfulness to God. Those who want to correct others should, first of all, keep themselves blameless. That may be the reason why Samuel first challenged the people to prove him guilty. As the people were convinced of Samuel’s righteousness, they were also more open to his corrections.

Samuel instructs the people to serve the Lord and obey his commandments more by reasoning with them rather than by threatening them. The kernel of his reasoning was that the people had it good when they were faithful to God.

Although the people of Israel tried to fix what was not broken by asking for a king while God reigned over them as their king, God did not abandon them. Rather, through Samuel, God instructed the people on how they and their king could remain faithful to him. Although people, in their pride, try to fix what is not broken, God, in his mercy, is never exhausted in fixing what is broken in the lives of his people.