Why do you argue?

Several years ago, a man walked up to me in front of a supermarket and asked, "Pastor Linzey, how many animals were on the Mayflower?"

I had no idea how many animals were on the hundred-foot-long Mayflower, with 102 passengers and a 25- to 30-man crew.

Thinking it was a trick question, I said, "I don't know, maybe a few dogs and...." But before I could continue, he verbally exploded: "You are just as ignorant as the rest of those Christians -- oh, I mean on Noah's Ark. How many animals were on the ark?"

His attempt to embarrass me backfired. Maybe I should have ignored him and walked away. But I responded with, "The Bible doesn't say how many animals were on the ark, but...."

Again, he cut me off. Hoping to malign my integrity, the young man blurted out, "I knew it! You are as ignorant as everyone else who says they are Christians! I have my doctorate and you Christians are ignorant!" He then victoriously stomped away. This young man was not inquiring for knowledge, insight, or help in any manner. Rather, he had an agenda to boost his own ego by publicly disparaging me in an argumentative manner.

I understood that young man's problem, for in my ignorant youth, I enjoyed the same sport. I boosted my own ego by arguing with others in order to "prove" them wrong. It didn't matter the subject -- I knew how to wield words like swords, and I enjoyed verbal sparring. But as I grew older and, hopefully, more mature, I learned the difference between argumentation and persuasion. I also realized how arrogant and foolish it is to argue with and degrade others. That's when I asked the Lord to forgive me. I forgave that young man and prayed for him.

The immature form of arguing I am talking about is: to quarrel, squabble, bicker, dispute, etc.; to exchange or express diverging or opposite views in a contrary, arrogant, heated, or angry manner. You win only by degrading your opponent.

But there's a better way to communicate an opposing viewpoint: persuasion. That is: inducement, convincing, encouragement; causing people to want to believe something without offending them.

Words are one of the most powerful forces on earth; everybody uses them, but not always properly, constructively, and effectively. Another problem arises because many people don't realize their "audience" has tuned them out. There is a saying in the military: "The myth of communication is that it has taken place."

When is the last time you thought you clearly understood what was said, but learned later that you missed it? The problem is two-sided: the speaker and the hearer. Sometimes what I thought I said to Carol was not what I verbalized -- my error. Other times she misunderstood what I did say -- her error. Those interactions can generate interesting discussions. Successful communication depends on clear purposes, careful attention to the message, how it is conveyed, and a thorough awareness of the audience.

I've had the privilege of learning from people like Zig Ziglar, Stephen Covey, and John Maxwell. They are true leaders who teach us how to see beyond our own short-sightedness.

Covey encourages us to search for a "win-win" solution. By seeking the benefit of others, we mature in our own character. Ziglar teaches that when we enable others to succeed, we also are enabled to "reach the top." Maxwell teaches that we reach greatness as we endeavor to help others succeed.

Jason Jones, with Strata Leadership LLC, said, "You don't have to be a celebrity to be persuasive. People want to be persuaded by, and follow someone who is confident and resolute in their thought, vision, and direction."

Over the years, I learned that to persuade others -- rather than argue with them -- we need to keep several things in mind. We need to know what we are talking about; look people in the eyes as we speak; smile; speak clearly and confidently but not forcefully; engage the other person in discussion; purposefully listen when they speak; find things in common to talk about; and use our body language to support what we say. To really understand, we need to "listen" with our eyes as well as with our ears.

One who knows how to persuade others is a powerful person; and Christ-centered persuasive people manifest that power with confidence baptized in true humility.

-- Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, and former pastor. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Religion on 05/13/2015