The power of persuasion is a mighty tool that can be used for good or bad. Who doesn't get hungry watching a cooking show? Or you think your crafty aptitude goes up by watching a do-it-yourself segment. Some people are born as charmers and others learn manipulation. The fact is that we can often be persuaded in our weak areas.
Aristotle says, 'character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.' Zig Ziglar says, 'the most important persuasion tool in your entire arsenal is integrity.' Wouldn't it be good if we were only persuaded by honest and legitimate means? But no, we must be discerning and stand firm in what is right.
We can all be persuasive if we want something bad enough. After my choking bout with my Subway years ago, I had to stay overnight in the hospital. I was not to have ANY food or water. Well my throat was probably as dry as Moses' throat was in the desert. I begged the nurse for a drink over and over. Although it was against her orders, I persuaded a few ice chips out of her.
Persuasion.......don't raise your voice, improve your argument.
I am reminder of the important boss who could negotiate and big deal for his business, but could not get his 5 year old daughter to do any thing she didn't want to do. I really like your last line " Persuasion.......don't raise your voice, improve your argument". I am going to use that. Good Blog.
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Good reminder. I like the line where you compare your throat to Moses' throat in the desert... Charity and I are studying logic - what's a valid argument to make in a debate, an essay, etc. And what isn't. We have one whole workbook on arguments that are "unfair", "irrelevant", etc. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the parable of the unjust judge in Luke and the persistent widow. She used the power of persuasion (and tenacity) to break him down and cause him to act. We have a few who are both charming and manipulating among our little ones. How important it is to train them to only use those powers in what is right!
ReplyDeleteLike your Dad, I LOVE that last line too. It makes so much sense! And so many times, while I do not realize that I am raising my voice, James does! (I always explain that I do that just so he will be able to hear me better, LOL!) The best way to set an example is to be one. My sweet mother-in-law (love) did that so well....in her sweet, quiet way. So thankful that God gave me her as one of my role models....praying to live up to being gentle and kind in my persuasion. Love you, my friend....T.
ReplyDeleteOh, I have one who was born a charmer (you know who) and one who uses "puppy dog eyes" to try to manipulate things her way. I like the integrity route. Good food for thought!
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