Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 22, 2016
Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now. 2 Samuel 19:7
Encourage your best people, and be careful not to take them for granted. It is tempting to give all of your attention to problems and leave nothing for those who have stood by your side. Just because a person requires little leadership does not mean they are not needy. Someone who seems okay may be suffering in silence; they may not want to be a burden, so they keep quiet. They know you are busy with bigger matters, and they don’t want to be a bother. But this lack of attention can only last for a short season. Everyone needs personal care and encouragement. Low maintenance people still need love and positive feedback.
Therefore, make it a priority to praise those who have been with you the longest. Love them or you may lose them. We all know our most fulfilling relationships are the ones that have stood the test of time. Something special happens relationally when you endure hardships together. There is a bond built that is hard to break, but even this quality of relationship needs nurturing. Old relationships become cold relationships, if they are not given attention. So take the time today and thank God for your most loyal friends and work associates. Pray specifically for their personal and professional needs.
Moreover, manage by walking around. Step into their offices and listen to them with no agenda other than to understand what they need to be successful. Be as engaged with their interests as you expect them to be with yours. This line of thinking and encouragement especially applies to your family. Go out of your way to be with your spouse and children. Love and respect your spouse in a large way, as a child’s love and respect for mom or dad will not rise any higher than the level they observe between their parents. Furthermore, make sure not to neglect your less needy child in favor of your needy one. Your compliant child still needs encouragement and her obedient heart needs reassurance. She needs to know she is doing well. Otherwise she will gradually grow discontent, and tire of being “the good kid.”
Good kids sometimes think more attention will be given to them if they behave badly. Indeed, resentment can build into rage if encouragement is chronically withheld. Take the time to encourage all of your children; just as they need food and rest, they need encouragement; it’s energy for their souls.
Lastly, retain relationships by encouraging others in their faith. People’s greatest encouragement comes from Christ. Jesus will be there for them when you are not. Eternal encouragement is the most meaningful and long lasting. Without their anchor of encouragement being tied to the Almighty, they will lack contentment. He is the greatest encourager. He understands when you don’t. He loves when you lack love. He listens when you are preoccupied with your problems. Encourage others in the Lord, and they will be on board. Take the time to sincerely give much needed encouragement so others can continue. Make sure to love those who love you, as encouragement is a two-way street. Dispense it liberally, and it will be hard for others to leave.
The Bible says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today”, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, lead me through a process of valuing the interests of others, so they feel valued and appreciated.Application
What valued team member requires my personal investment of time in this season of life and service?Related Reading
Philippians 2:3-4; Zechariah 3:7; Philemon 1:20 Today’s reading is taken from Boyd’s most popular book: Seeking Daily the Heart of God, a 365 day devotional.Post/Tweet today
A person’s greatest encouragement comes from Christ. Jesus will be there for them when you are not. #WisdomHunters #retainrelationshipsWorship Resource
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