Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Praying 1 Thessalonians 2:7 – Love More Persuasive than Authority
More Persuasive than Authority
TEXT: “Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children.” (CSB’17 1 Thessalonians 2:7)
DEVOTIONAL: Here are 2 sources of legitimate, positive persuasion:
1. Leadership based authority – Position.
2. Love based authority – Person
There are also 2 legitimate, positive reactions to these methods of persuasion:
1. Duty to obey the one in authority – Position
2. Desire to please the one in authority – Person.
As often noted, there is a difference in attitude between respecting the position versus the person. The ideal situation has both. Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 2:7, said he preferred not using authority, choosing instead a good example and gentleness. Paul desired obedience based upon love and respect. He considers personal persuasion more powerful and appropriate. This first requires leading by proving he cares. That leads to appreciation and understanding by those he could just otherwise command using his authority.
A person in authority requests, “I don’t want you to do that”. Then that person gives reasons which benefits the one he or she is striving to protect.” What is the appropriate response? Shouldn’t that generate respect and reciprocity of loving care?
There are many in positions of authority uncomfortable demanding, “Don’t do that!”. That is just one of the burdens of leadership Not wanting to be a burden, and instead relying on gentleness, should be rewarded and appreciated. Kind and strong leaders do not wish to be pushed into uncomfortable positions of demanding.
Being told, “I want to do what I want”, becomes a battle of preferences. Such opposition results in choices that are unpreferable, such as resorting to positional authority, or feeling distant unappreciated, and hurt from those under their protection.
If someone loves you, that should be more persuasive than authority.
PRAYER: My God, you so loved me in this way, in giving your only Son, that if I believe, I will be saved. I want to follow your example of giving and loving first, before demanding. Sacrificial love is the better tactic of persuasion. May those I am leading, learn to follow because of love, both mine and theirs, and ultimately Yours. Amen.
Comments