APPRECIATING APPLAUSE

When undertaking something difficult, we all find it easier to keep going or even to do much better when we have people encouraging and cheering us. There is power in encouragement. Sometimes we get cheered to help us get on our feet. The applause usually increases when we begin the task and is loudest when we finish.

Luke 15:10 Our Christian birth begins with loud cheers and great celebration in heaven.
Matthew 25:23 Our Christian walk ends with even greater complement and rewards.
Whether we finally make it till the end depends very much on how well we hear and take encouragement. Look at Jesus - Luke 22:43 Our lord had to do with some encouragement during his most trying moments.

1. LEARN TO APPLAUD

Hebrews 3:12-13 Perhaps the most crucial role of the church is in ensuring that all of us get our daily dose of encouragement. We all need encouragement and we all are capable of giving it. We are to continually build each other up.

Ephesians 4:29 The words we use can effectively build up those around us.
Ephesians 5:19 Paul might probably not have made it as a young Christian was it not for Barnabas (son of encouragement) who took him in when the rest of the disciples were too afraid, wondering if he really had changed.
Acts 9:26 Young Christians need very special encouragement.

Q. How many people have you encouraged today?

Make a plan on those you are to encourage. It will not just happen. Good intentions alone do not encourage. Don't just say, "We will set up, bro!" Do it today. Remember Hebrews3:13 - "as long as it is called Today."

2. LEARN TO TAKE APPLAUSE

Sometimes we are so engrossed in ourselves that we fail to see all the tons of encouragement coming our way from earth below and heaven above - Hebrews 12:1

At other times we get very prideful when commended. It can even be more difficult to take praise and applause in a righteous way.

Matthew 16:17 Peter is highly commended by Jesus but just six verses later gets so prideful he receives one of the most stinging rebukes Jesus ever gave to a disciple!

Luke 17:9-10 We must always remember that we are unworthy servants who have only done our duty. In all our success we have to acknowledge God and not try to rob him of the glory rightfully due him. Remember Jesus words - "…By myself I can do nothing." John 5:30 Encouragement and applause should always humble us.
Q. How well did you take the last praise you got from a brother or a sister?
Q. Are you always skeptical when complimented?
Example
Brother: Sis, you've got a great hairstyle.
Sister: No! Are you really sure, bro? I have had this now for 2 months!

Praise God for applause. We all get uplifted by learning to applaud others and appreciate them for who they are, and we are uplifted by learning to take applause with humility and allow it to spur us on. Let us use the full potential that applause presents to help each other to make it to heaven, the land of eternal applause!

Back to "When Heaven Applauds" page