Earn People’s Support

I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me. Philemon 1:8-9

Paul wanted Philemon to welcome home a man named Onesimus, who had been his slave but had run away. Onesimus was now a Christian, and he was returning to serve out his time. Paul wanted Philemon to receive his former slave as a brother, not as a servant.

Instead of pulling rank and demanding that Philemon follow his wishes, Paul appealed to his friend’s sense of fairness and hoped that he would do what was right out of desire, not obligation.

You can demand that someone follow your lead or earn their support through mutual respect.

The first tactic produces a short-term victory.

The second lasts longer because it becomes their idea instead of yours.

Mercenaries make good soldiers, but lousy partners. Wouldn’t you rather have followers who want to be there?