Personal Persuasion

April 4, 2008

By William E. Richardson

"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me" (2 Timothy 1:13, NKJV).

No doubt about it, celebrity endorsements are big business. An actor or athlete in a commercial often coaxes their fan base to buy a product. Every year, famous faces sell a lot of soft drinks, toothpaste and cars.

Consider Oprah Winfrey. She promotes other people’s books to best-seller status. When she likes a book, thousands of others decide to like it. However, you can be just as persuasive. You have an advantage Oprah’s celebrity influence lacks. Celebrity persuasion is powerful. Personal persuasion is more powerful.

There are at least three reasons personal persuasion matters more.

First, you’re more than an image. The people around you see and know you as a flesh and blood person.

Second, you’re visibly the same person every day. Celebrities constantly assume a façade. Your consistency makes you more believable.

Third, you don’t receive a check to push a specific brand. People who know you know that you promote only what you fully believe.

Sure, a celebrity pitch sells products. But your sincere expressions can do even more by reaching others for Jesus. Today, others may follow your example based on the persuasion of your actions and words. Today, because of you, someone may decide to surrender his or her life to God’s control.

Fame sells. Your daily faith sells better.

— William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.