A few years ago, I decided to review my broadcast list to ascertain my readership. I asked people on my broadcast list if i should discontinue sending them my daily devotionals. To my amazement, feedback and testimonies started pouring in urging me to continue. I learnt a lesson: never stop what you are doing because of lack of positive commendation.
Friend, learn to acknowledge people’s contribution to your life. Don’t be an ingrate. Don’t claim that you are self-made. We are all products of people’s contributions to our lives either directly or indirectly (1 Corinthians 4:7). Great works have been stopped because of silent followers who are very stingy with appreciation and commendation.
People will do better with commendation than condemnation (John 4:17, 8:10-11). Appreciate your wife. She may not be doing everything right, but she’s sure doing a few things right; emphasize and celebrate that. Your husband may not be carrying out all his responsibilities as expected; try and appreciate the ones he’s doing. Tell him how good and caring he is.
Send a “Thank you” note to your pastor; accompany it with a gift if possible. Tell him how much his messages and leadership have blessed you (1 Timothy 5:17-18). Be a son of consolation (Acts 4:36-37). Too many pastors are frustrated today. People expect a lot from them. They criticise them at the slightest opportunity. They withhold compliments from them thinking they don’t need it.
Appreciate your parents, siblings, and friends (Ephesians 6:1-3). They have stayed with you for years, through thick and thin; appreciate them. Appreciate your boss for giving you the opportunity to work with him. Tell him how much the company has enhanced your life. People do better when they are appreciated.
For those making an impact out there; you are doing a great work. Don’t stop (Nehemiah 6:3)! Let your conviction be stronger than the commendation or lack of it. Men’s applause is not as important as divine approval. A lot of people are drawing inspiration daily from your life and activities even if they don’t show it. Keep at it. God who sees in secret will definitely reward you openly (Matthew 6:4). Amen!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria