Moving Others To Health

I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

THE APOSTLE PAUL was a people mover extraordinaire. He knew how to motivate others.

Level the playing field. Paul shares his fears. Then he gives them an opportunity to fix all of the issues before he even arrives: “I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged” (2 Corinthians 12:20-21, NIV).

How can you make people feel more comfortable around you? How can you word your requests clearly and compassionately?

Look at the options. Paul shares that there are different approaches to handling problems and getting to the root of the matter. By laying out the worst discipline option (rods), the other looks pretty good. “I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?” (1 Corinthians 4:19-21, NIV).

Paul didn’t overreact; he acted to get a response that produced fruit.