The Power of Persuasion

Nephi's brothers were about to turn back in I Nephi 3:14, but Nephi was able to persuade them to stay, "And it came to pass that after this manner of language did I persuade my brethren, that they might be faithful in keeping the commandments of God." (v. 21)

How was he able to persuade them?

What was it between v. 14 and v. 21 that made Nephi's brothers change their heart and decide to press forward in keeping the commandments of God?

I think there are two key principles at play here that are paramount to the power of persuasion:

1- Faith: Demonstrating faith and a firm conviction to the cause.
2- Vision: Reminding all involved of the purpose and vision behind the cause.

Nephi boldly declared, "As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down...until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord commanded us." This statement was an ancient oath that basically meant, "we will all die before giving up on carrying out this commandment"....pretty powerful demonstration of principle #1!

For principle #2, Nephi reminded them (Remember...great word, isn't it?) that God told them Jerusalem would be destroyed and that they must have the records in order to:

1- Preserve their language.
2- Preserve the words of the prophets that contain all the covenants and commandments given by God to His people since the beginning of time.

I think we will be much more effective and successful in all areas of our lives if we can remember to apply these two key principles to our teaching and our persuading: Faith & Vision.