Encourage

Bob paid tribute to his circle of friends telling them that they added so much to his life. "You," he said to the little circle of people at his 41st birthday party, "have helped me and encouraged me." There was real emotion in his voice as he thanked us. It made me ask myself - "On the whole, am I a giver or a taker, a critic or an encourager?" Life is full of critics who are quick to take note when our work is less than stellar, when we sin or fail, when we are not who they expect us to be. The little lights in all that darkness are those precious few who see the good, send the 'thank you' note, who believe in us and help us to achieve more than we would if left to ourselves.

Several years ago, at a time when I was experiencing some real inner doubts about my effectiveness as a pastor, there was a Pastor Appreciation Day in our church. People were given the opportunity to write a note of thanks and the bundle was presented to me along with gifts. The gifts were nice, but the notes were like water poured on a parched plant. As I sat and read through them, some scrawled in childish handwriting, others written in flowing prose - I just wept! God used the kind words of several dozen people in that congregation to tell me, "Jerry, I can use even you to accomplish My work in this world. You're making a difference." I kept that little bundle of encouragement around for a long time and when I was feeling low, would read some of them again. They were like medicine for my soul.

The Bible tells us that as Believers we need to keep meeting together, and we should"encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25, NIV) In another passage, we are told pointedly- "If your gift is to encourage others, do it!... And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." (Romans 12:8, NLT)

Watch out for flattery which is defined as 'excessive or insincere praise.' Some will 'encourage' you but for their own purpose or gain. They will fill your ear with words that are ultimately manipulative. If we are in need of affirmation, we will be tempted to believe those flattering words and, in the end, will be hurt when we figure out we were used. I'm sure everyone of us can think of a time when we let somebody 'sweet talk' us into doing something or being somebody that we really were not. Proverbs, that treasure trove of practical wisdom, calls flattery a "a net for his feet." (29:5, NIV) It trips us up!

The story of David, who rose from a country shepherd boy, the least in his family, to become a great king, had people who encouraged him along the way. He was greatly gifted, had a deep faith and loads of courage, yet he needed people who spurred him on to greatness! As a young man, Jonathan was a key person whose encouragement helped David get through some awful times in the palace. Later on in his life he gathered several men around him that the Bible calls "David's mighty men." Isn't that rich? These guys believed in him and served alongside of him in the campaigns he waged for Israel's safety. During his reign there were others who advised and encouraged him. What would he have been without these people? Only God knows.

Be an encourager today!

• Don't flatter, but give praise.
• Take note of those who are often 'invisible' to the world, make eye contact, and say a sincere 'thank you.'
• If you know of someone who is struggling to keep their head above water - give them a call and pray with them, briefly and sincerely, for God's strength for this day.
• Has someone helped you make it through a hard time that is due a note? Then, tell them TODAY!

You have a choice today as you deal with others- to dwell on the disappointments or to think on the good things. If you focus on those moments when you're needs and desires have been unmet, you will become a bitter, cynical critic who sucks the life out of every situation and relationship. If you seek the good, you will be an encourager, and, the encouragement you give will, in the end, come 'round to you again!

"Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." (Philippians 4:8, The Message) _______________________________________

Lord God, the world teaches me to be a critic.
The talk show hosts, the movie critics, the political pundits, and even some preachers, fill the world with angry words, hurtful words, negative words.
Lord, their attitude sticks to me and makes me critical, too.
I pray that you would do a work in my heart and mind.
Help me to see the best, to choose to forget myself, and to lift up somebody today who needs to be encouraged.
Make me a bright light of hope in a dark world of despair, a source of refreshing words that bring life to the dry desert of someone's life.
As you have loved me, help me to love others, for Jesus' sake.
In His holy name I pray. Amen.