“But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.”
– Philemon 14
“Absolute power corrupts absolutely” is unfortunately what we
see in the world, but Apostle Paul has modelled for us in honesty, equity, and
modesty in this verse. Onesimus, a runaway slave of Philemon encountered Paul
in a prison, became a Christian, and ministered to him. Paul considered the
whole episode to be the providence of God, and therefore, would like to keep
Onesimus with him for the sake of ministry, especially seeing that he is
fulfilling what his master Philemon would want to do for Paul.
Onesimus, like anyone, needed conversion. Paul needed somebody
to minister to him in a prison. Apostle Paul considered Philemon, his convert,
to be a brother and partner in the gospel. Onesimus being a Christian now must
be considered a brother by Philemon also, even as a partner, since he served
Paul on his behalf. Apostle Paul, with all his wisdom, authority, and the
providence of God, could have kept Onesimus without consulting Philemon, or
even commanded him what to do. Instead, Paul asked him to receive Onesimus like
it was him. Paul didn't even tell Philemon what other good deeds he should be
doing, although he gave him hints — to send Onesimus back to him. Paul did not
annul the authority of Philemon, rather he entrusted him to do what seemed best,
trusting his voluntary decision.
Are you a one-man leader or do you consult the consent (not to
mention the wisdom) of other workers in a decision-making process? It's okay to
expect others to do the right thing; it's better if they do it voluntarily;
it's wonderful if they do it voluntarily and gladly. Would you practice
considering the rights of others as well, and not being obsessed with your own
rights?