TODAY IS…

a wonderful day to acknowledge the things people do.

“Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.”  Exodus 39:43 NIV

Most of us know the feeling of gaining the approval of someone for something we have done. Demonstrating our approval by giving credit where credit is due is no less than we would want done for us.

When our children show consideration for someone else, we should make sure and acknowledge it. Giving them credit for doing the right thing makes them feel better about doing it. Soon they begin to experience the feeling even when no one notices what they have done. When we show our approval to our children, it helps them to grow in a positive manner and helps them to acquire traits that will enable them to be better parents later on. Just as important is the fact that it helps teach them how to interact in a more positive manner with other people around them as they grow: fellow students; teachers; fellow employees; employers; members of the church they belong to; and even strangers that they meet.

As Christians, Paul teaches us to serve Christ and live lives of goodness, peace, and joy, “For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.” (Romans 14:18 NASB).

People working together for Christ need to be acknowledged. When someone does a good job they should get the credit for it, and the approval of others. This recognition goes a long way in helping to keep people enthusiastic about what they are doing.

We probably have all known someone in our lives who takes credit for things that he or she did not do. The Bible teaches us that we shouldn’t do that and demonstrates the negative things that grow out of taking credit as opposed to giving it to the one who deserves it. Letting pride take control of our lives can only create problems for us, as Saul found out. Saul’s son, Jonathan, defeated the Philistines at Geba, but Saul took the credit for it.

“So all Israel heard the news: ‘Saul had attacked the Philistine outpost…’” (1 Samuel 13:4a NIV).

We must also remember to acknowledge God for the things that He does to help us get through each day. Giving credit to Him also helps us to see those around us who are deserving of our approval and our encouragement for the things they do.

Keep your eyes open and always watch for ways in which you can encourage others by acknowledging the things that they do.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson