BUILD A CULTURE OF APPRECIATION
I had just returned from speaking at a teenagers’ meeting. I was asked a question that I would never have been able to answer. Fortunately, I was following a series of teachings from a group of sound teachers coordinated by a beloved sister. The answer I gave was from one of the notes she shared.
When I returned from the meeting, I sent her a direct message on Facebook. I narrated how the notes were really helpful. I did not have her phone number, but I decided to send airtime to her. It was the days of the sales of recharge cards.
I cannot forget her response. She said that she was on the verge of giving up. My note of appreciation fired her up. It was the needed push she needed. And amazingly, my “gamble” of a network provider was also right. She used the airtime and then sent her contact to me. I still have that relationship fifteen years later.
Jesus taught us that unexpressed gratitude is not gratitude. You must express it. Be grateful for those God is using or has used to bless and impact your life.
Luke 17:12-14 NKJV
Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So, when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.
The words and ministry of Jesus impacted these ten lepers. They were cleansed. But there is a twist to the story here.
Luke 17:15-16 NKJV
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
Did you notice that they all started from afar off and they were all impacted afar off but only the one who returned with a loud voice of thanksgiving enjoyed access to His feet? Anyone with a sense of appreciation enjoys access. They are never stranded. Ingratitude closes the door on you.
There are people who only show up when they have requests. Once their needs are met, they disappear. They resurface again when there is a fresh need. It is a terrible habit.
Ingratitude baffles even the Lord Jesus.
Luke 17:17-18 NKJV
[17] So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? [18] Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”
In this season, would you make up your mind to build a heart of appreciation?
temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa