August 14 – Work with the Willing

Gregg’s Reflection:

When I walked away from the business world, I set a design principle: only work with the willing. It took me years of painful experience to learn that when I ignored this principle, I ended up burned out, frustrated, or manipulating others. Robert Fritz reminded me that all we can do is make an offer. People are free to say no. If we aren’t comfortable with that, then we are no longer serving but controlling.

The person of peace framework has given me language for this. Jesus never chased people down or tried to force belief. He honored their freedom and moved on when there wasn’t openness. I have come to see that forcing things doesn’t bring life—it drains it. Working with the willing brings energy and joy because God is in it.

Sometimes, I still try to push a rope, trying to prove something to myself or others. That’s when I crash and burn. But when I trust that God will bring the right people at the right time, I can let go. It’s liberating to release outcomes and focus on discerning where God is already at work.

Scripture

Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?

Amos 3:3

Ancient Quotes

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.

St. Francis of Assisi, Admonitions, III.

Modern Quotes

All we can do is make an offer. People are free to say no. If we aren’t comfortable with that, then at the end of the day we are manipulating others.

Robert Fritz, The Path of Least Resistance, p. 218

Work only with the receptive and only on what’s trying to happen.

Bob Buford 

Journaling Prompts:

• Where in your life are you trying to push a rope instead of working with the willing?
  
  
• How do you discern who is open to receiving what you have to offer?
  
  
• What would it look like to trust God more deeply with outcomes?
  
  
• How might working with the willing bring you more joy and freedom?

Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 33 Reflection: Person of Peace