Picture a world where words and actions can determine destinies, where persuasion is the key to winning over hearts and minds and shaping history itself. This picture is precisely what Jesus accomplished when he cleansed the temple courts and healed the blind and disabled in Matthew 21:12-17. Through this passage, we can gain valuable insights into persuasion and how it can advance God's Goodness and uphold Jesus’ teachings in all our experiences where Christian Character Counts.
Jesus demonstrated his persuasive power by overturning tables and driving out money changers. This act held symbolic meaning, evoked strong emotions, and was backed by scripture and moral authority, capturing the community's attention and impacting history. Jesus' message challenged the temple's evil practices, effectively communicating the need for change. Today, we can learn from Jesus and strive to be persuasive to advance God's kingdom now and always.
As Jesus illustrated, persuasion involves the ability to sway others, change their perspectives, and convince them to adopt a particular viewpoint. Effective persuasion involves utilizing various techniques and communication skills, such as appealing to emotions, providing evidence, establishing credibility, and constructing a compelling argument. The art of persuasion can be applied in various settings, including personal relationships, professional settings, politics, public speaking, and everyday interactions. As Christians, it is essential to learn and apply the art of persuasion to pursue the wisdom of God and integrate it into our daily lives.
To be an effective influencer, it's essential to understand persuasion's three "Ps": position, perception, and perspective. Just like Jesus, who served as a life influencer, we must be able to persuade others in a credible and impactful way. To achieve this, we must be in the position of a child of God, just as Jesus is the Son of God. To understand how to be in this position, read John 3:1-21 to better understand what it means to be a child of God standing in the correct position. The second "P" is perception, which refers to how we and others understand and interpret messages and the world around us. Finally, perspective is about putting ourselves in other people's shoes better to understand their beliefs, values, and concerns. By doing so, we can better connect with them and meet their needs and interests (1 Corinthians 9:22). With these three elements in mind, we can become effective and positive influencers like Jesus.
As followers of Christ, it's crucial to master the art of persuasion. By doing so, we can effectively integrate God's wisdom into our daily lives and become influential individuals. Understanding the three "Ps" - position, perception, and perspective - is key to becoming an effective persuader. As children of God, we are in the perfect position to influence others, just as Jesus did. We must understand how our messages are perceived and empathize with those we're trying to persuade. And let's never forget our responsibility to be good persuaders of life where Christian Character Counts.
With persuasiveness and understanding,