Mastering the Art of Subtle Persuasion

I am going to let you in on a little secret. It is called: The Power of Subtle Persuasion. This can be useful in many facets of life. However, this is not to use on your spouse. I take no legal responsibility for you sleeping on the couch :)

It works as follows: You have a crazy idea. Work is way too early in the morning and you miss your morning coffee. The coffee shop near you closed, and you only have basic coffee at your house. This week’s meeting agenda: Ideas to improve the workplace.

“We should put a Starbucks in our office space,” You say in the most nonchalant way possible. Cue the flummoxed responses (also see: perplexed or bewildered). Congratulations, you are now considered crazy.

Now, three months down the road, you have the opportunity to say it again. This time you say, “Hey, we should put an espresso machine in the break room.” Compared to your last idea, this sounds downright reasonable. (And most people forgot that you brought it up anyway). Subtle persuasion is all about mastering the art of knowing how others will respond.

When you approach a friend about Christ, you have to know where their heart is already at. God needs no persuasion to change hearts, but he can use us and our lives as an example to others. Your friend knows you better than they would know a stranger. So when they hear about a life changed by Christ, they will relate more to you because of how they have already seen Him in your life. An example of His grace. So take a risk and master the art of subtle persuasion. I dare you.