Words of Praise
That is to “express approval or
commendation” or “recognizing one’s achievements.” Think of the award
ceremonies aired on television on a yearly basis. These awards are given to
recognize certain individuals for the hard work that has been performed through
the year or a lifetime. There are just times when someone needs to be told,
“You’ve done a good job.” Marshall Keeble once said, “Everyone loves to be
praised, even a dog will wag its tail when you praise him.” While it is
understood that members of the church should not do the works of the church for
recognition of man, there is nothing wrong with giving or accepting praise. “Let
another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own
lips” (Proverbs 27:2). Take a moment to reflect on the members of the
congregation who do so much. Think of the song leaders, those who lead in
prayer, prepare or lead in the Lord’s Supper, clean the building, do
maintenance work, teach classes, and the list goes on. These individuals should
be praised for their good work. Let us not be like the person in the
congregation who can always find a problem but never can find anything kind to
say. Be willing to praise someone for their good work. “We give thanks to God
always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without
ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our
Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren
beloved, your election of God” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4).
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