And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.– Ezra 3:11.
As we thank and praise God for His goodness let us not forget to pass it on to those whom the Lord uses. Everyone does a better job when they know their effort is appreciated. Pastor Dr. Paul Chappell does a good job of tying these two things together. He said………
The famous musician Andor Foldes recalls how praise made all the difference for him early in his career. His first recollection of an affirming word was at age seven when his father kissed him and thanked him for helping in the garden. He remembers it over six decades later, as though it were yesterday.
But the account of another kiss that changed his life says a great deal about our inner need for purpose. At age sixteen, living in Budapest, Foldes was already a skilled pianist. But he was at his personal all-time low because of a conflict with his piano teacher. In the midst of that very troubled year, however, one of the most renowned pianists of the day came to the city to perform. Emil von Sauer was not only famous because of his abilities at the piano, but he could also claim the notoriety of being the last surviving pupil of Franz Liszt.
Sauer requested that young Foldes play for him. Foldes obliged the master with some of the most difficult works of Bach, Beethoven, and Schumann. When he finished, Sauer walked over to him and kissed him on the forehead.
“My son,” he said, “when I was your age I became a student of Liszt. He kissed me on the forehead after my first lesson, saying, ‘Take good care of this kiss—it comes from Beethoven, who gave it me after hearing me play.’ I have waited for years to pass on this sacred heritage, but now I feel you deserve it.”
When was the last time you praised someone for something done well? Do you criticize and become cynical of others’ work? The world has enough cynics. Everything from the newspaper to the news is filled with people’s pessimistic outlook on life. But as Christians we are supposed to be cheerful people!
John 16:33 reinforces this when it says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
People will fail, there will be disappointments in our world, but God says not to let those things get you down! Jesus has overcome the world!
Rather than criticizing others, God wants us to “be of good cheer” and praise others! Tell them they did a good job or compliment them for something they are wearing. From a heart of love, sincerely point out something good someone did. Let them know you noticed!
How often do you praise someone? Don’t let cynicism rule your speech but find something good to praise in everyone you meet. After all, God loves them just as much as He loves you. Determine today to be a cheerful person who praises others.
