Have you ever known anyone that has stood firm in their faith, even when it was not the popular thing to do? Has there been a person whose life has been a living testimony, serving as a valuable example for you to follow? Have you ever been inspired by another’s endurance and steadfastness through a difficult trial? Most who will read this and consider these questions would answer with a resounding yes, and praise God for that. However, there is one more question that I must ask; one of great importance. Have you ever told these individuals how instrumental they have been to you?
Now, as followers of Christ, we should not be fixated on fishing for compliments from others, for such determination would be unhealthy and quite frankly, unbiblical. In fact, Jesus rebukes the actions of the Pharisees who were publicizing their “good works” so they would receive attention and praise from those who looked on (Matthew 6:2). Seeking the approval of man must never be the aim of a Christian (Galatians 1:10). Clearly Scripture doesn’t advocate that we be “me monsters”. But, how about our outward affirmation?
The believers in Thessalonica were surrounded by opposition, for their faith in Christ was not a welcome breath of fresh air to the majority. Though Paul did not spend a great deal of time in Thessalonica (perhaps only three weeks), what he saw there compelled him to write a letter to these faithful saints. Throughout this letter that we know today as 1 & 2nd Thessalonians, Paul covers many items of importance. However, it is in Chapter 5 that we find a recognition of godly behavior that Paul addresses. The traveling Apostle speaks of the inevitability of future events that had been foretold, events that he admitted were well known by his believing listeners. Then in verse 11, Paul instructed them to encourage one another and build each other up, just as they had been doing. This was confirmation that he was pleased with how they had been caring for one another. Continuing on, the seasoned Apostle gave them further encouragement in the way of instruction, spurring them on to respect, love and esteem one another highly. Paul could have just chalked his experience up in Thessalonica as “normal” behavior for the beloved. But he knew there was great value in making his appreciation known.
Throughout my life there have been individuals who have blessed me greatly with their Christ-like example. Prayer warriors, encouragers, pillars of truth, hearts that love deeply and genuinely, zealous evangelists, students of the Word; I have been privileged to witness them all. It would be negligence on my part if I did not let these individuals know how much they have meant to me and my walk with Christ. Admittedly I have squandered many opportunities to share my gratitude, but prayerfully this will be a diminishing practice. I firmly believe that as children of God, we need to be more generous with compliments. If there are those who have had a major impact in our lives for Christ, we should not be silent. Just like the Thessalonians, we too are in trying days with opposition around every corner. And while we mustn’t have an unhealthy craving for compliments, it would be absurd for us to not recognize the value in being encouraged by our fellow saints.
Whether you fancy yourself elegant in speech or you commonly fumble for the right words to say, do not be tight lipped with compliments. Perhaps your kind, timely words will be the very thing that is needed to brighten one’s day, spur them on for further kingdom work, or remind them that they are not alone in their journey. I can assure you this, you will never regret offering up encouraging words, but you just may regret keeping them to yourself. God has given us a tremendous gift through the blessing of the Body of Christ. May we never take it for granted. May we never cease to recognize the advantage of speaking kind and encouraging words to one another. My challenge to you is this: think about the people who have impacted your life, then reach out and tell them how important their example has been to you. To God be the glory for working in and through the lives of His children.
By His Grace And For His Glory,
Pastor Sam
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