Today’s Scripture: Matthew 25:23
His master replied, ’Well done good and faithful servant!’
The Duke of Wellington, the British military leader who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, was not an easy man to serve under. He was brilliant, demanding, and not one to shower his subordinates with compliments. Yet even Wellington realized that his methods left something to be desired. In his old age a young lady asked him what, if anything, he would do differently if he had his life to live all over again. Wellington thought for a moment, and then replied, “I’d give more praise.”
According to William James, the renowned American psychologist and philosopher, “The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.” Experts across disciplines, including human resource practitioners, have since realized the need to deal with this legitimate human desire. Genuine appreciation has the potential to inspire people to behave better and strive to live up to their potential. And because we are interdependent beings who thrive on relationships and collaborations, understanding how to apply genuine appreciation becomes imperative.
Take a break from seeing and acknowledging only the negatives in the people around you. Adopt a better approach: appreciation. Let your wife or husband know you appreciate the value she/he adds to your life. Take note of their strong points and compliment them. Tell your children how much of a blessing they are and how beautiful and smart you think they are.
Appreciation should be extended to parents and siblings, employers and employees, pastors, friends, and neighbours. Give a call to say ’thank you’ to someone. Send a handwritten note. By all means show appreciation. The Bible states that God inhabits the praises of His people, implying the premium we place on being praised and appreciated is not out of tune with the divine nature.
Today, take time out to show special appreciation to those you love and those around you; and let it become a habit.
Memorize & Meditate:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
Prayer/Confession:
Father, I praise You. I appreciate all that You have done for me. Grant me the grace to be appreciative of those around me. Let my words today encourage those around me and bring out the best in them, in Jesus’ name.
