Command Versus Appeal
I traveled to Denver today. I stopped by Colorado Christian University to drop off a copy of my book to President Bill Armstrong. What a gracious and effective leader and servant of the Lord! I was at the Capitol testifying on a Physical therapy bill in the senate. Our bill is on life support; but we are trusting for a resurrection.
Yesterday evening, my day ended with a trip to Brighton and a visitĀ with father’s cousin, Courtland Rybicka (age 90). I took him a copy of my book to thank him for his support of my recovery. We enjoyed a meal out and conversation about family history.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Ā “For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right,Ā I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love.” Philemon 8,9 HCSB
What is the best way to motivate someone to action. I recall in my University business management classes forty years ago, discussing extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation. Motivations by outward force compared to inward desire. Paul, even though he was in a position of authority to demand Philemon act in the way he desired in restoring a runaway slave, chooses a different approach. His appeal is the basis of love. Love for Christ and love for one whose life has been changed by Christ.
Paul did so knowing Philemon’s heart. “For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” (Philemon 7) Paul knew Philemon’s character and actions that reflected love for Christ and love for others. As a result, his appeal was not based on something that was “out of character” for this brother in the Lord.
Paul places himself in a position asĀ one committed to reconciling broken trust and broken relationships. In many situations that is what is needed. Paul had relationship with Onesimus, he had relationship with Philemon. He stood in a unique position to leverage his relationship with both of these men to bridge the gap of separation and for the “prodigal slave” to be returned to his master.
But this reconciliation would begin a new relationship. As Paul reflected, “For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently,Ā no longer as a slave, but more than a slaveāas a dearly loved brother.” (Philemon 15,16 HCSB)
Paul seem to apply his own Romans 8:28 perspective here. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
What good could come out of a slave running away? A slave that in his running away from his master, ends up running into the arms of “The Master.” Onesimus “runs into Paul” who introduces him to Jesus and the slave of a man becomes a slave of Christ. And now as a slave of Christ, the slave of man, becomes a brother in the Lord. Who said, “God doesn’t have a sense of humor?!”
In our lives God may want to use us in reconciling broken relationships. I’m glad Paul didn’t say “that’s not my business” or “Onesimus, you are on your own.” Remember how a man by name of Barnabas, brought a newly converted Saul of Tarsus to the apostles in Jerusalem?
We need to know the best way to approach someone to challenge them to do what is honoring to the Lord. We can demand, quote scripture and lecture; or as Paul, we can appeal on the “basis of love.” Sometimes, we may need to wait and allow the Lord to work on the heart. We don’t know how quickly Philemon responded to Paul’s appeal but we can be confident that he did.
Once again we see the practicality of the Bible. What present day “business management” has described as methods of motivation, we see reflected in this personal letter of Paul to a friend.