Some years ago as I was driving down the road I started on a "pity party." Ever have one of those? No one is patting me on the back so it’s pity me time. I call ‘em "pity parties"
I had been working hard for months; as a result our church had a great youth program, large Sunday School and kids club of hundreds. Outreach ministries every week ... you name it, we were going hot! One of the hottest youth churches on the West Coast!
But my church leaders and pastor didn't give me any kudu’s. No pat on the back. No recognition. In fact my pastor said "Von, you are just the Pied Piper of kids, you snap your fingers and there they come".
Not true! I was working my tail off.
It seemed no one was grateful or could spare any encouragement!
I know! I know! I'm to be a humble servant working for the Lord, and that His "well done" should be sufficient.
My "pity party" continued for miles. Just the three of us: Me, Myself and I.
Then in a sudden and unexpected burst of honesty, I reviewed my own ministry and how I treated my own leaders. Those under me.
I was just as tough on them! They were working for the Lord, that should be sufficient. They could well be having their own "pity parties". I wanted tough hard working leaders, and I had them!
I actually felt like appreciation and encouragement from me were ... well ... a sign of weakness.
It took time for me, a hard working young activist, to understand just how important encouraging others was. I was hungry for it, but somehow I felt it was wrong!
The first standing ovation given me, left me completely frustrated. Being a conduit for God’s ovation felt, well, uncomfortable. It was to be a God thing, not a von thing.
I learned that changes in my perspective were necessary. I made changes based on the following verse.
The Word of God indicates that appreciation and encouragement are essential to a smooth running ministry.
"Encourage each other..." The Word says. (I Thess 5:11) Can't be more specific than this!
I found encouragement in ministry plays the important part of oil in a powerful, smooth running engine.
How obvious!
Oil in an engine isn't an optional liquid. Oil is essential to the smooth running engine ... and I needed to learn that the oil-of-encouragement ... kept the friction down and the ministry /engine lasting longer! Great lesson and so simple.
Brother, check your oil! It’s so easy to forget the need to regularly encourage one another.
The Holy oil of encouragement!
Hopefully each of us is growing in an attitude of gratitude and encouragement.
