Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
I recall hearing a seminary professor tell how easy it is to downplay the things that are meaningful or important to another person. If they have achieved some major goal in their life it is easy for us to ignore it or act as if it were insignificant.
This professor related how he would go out of his way to get excited about some accomplishment that someone shared with him. Someone had told him about some verse they had memorized and he exploded with joy and congratulations. It was just the response that person needed. It seems that others near him had always made him feel inferior and worthless. He went on to become a dynamic spiritual leader in his area.
It does not have to be spiritual accomplishments that we give praise to. We had a small man with a severe learning disorder in a church that I served as an associate pastor. The man could barely talk, but he loved to bowl. Somehow I discovered he carried a small book with his bowling scores written down. Each week I made a point of looking at his book and getting excited about his scores. They were sometimes 25 or 30, but I tried to make him feel special. It not only made Roscoe feel special, it made me feel that I had met an angel unaware.
Who do you know that needs to be lifted by your approval? What words can you speak or actions shown that will make that person feel special? Try it!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil