People need to have value added to their lives not taken away.
In each and every encounter that humans have one with another we have the opportunity to build up and encourage and strengthen and add value.
I would define “adding value” as making other’s lives, experiences, wisdom, assets, etc more valuable because of something you and I freely and cheerfully give to them.
We especially need to live this way rather than depleting other’s value or worth by what we selifshly take from them.
Let us share our struggles, let us bear each other’s burdens. But let us also be sure that we are not tearing people down with our attitudes and words. We have Biblical instruction about iron sharpening iron and about mutual edification. This is what I mean by adding value to people. People are to be sharper, encouraged, enhanced, built up because they were with us.
Sometimes we are so down and so unhealthy in our own thought processes that it seems like we are a black hole waiting to suck people into our “misery loves company” pity-party. When people see you coming are they excited because they know that you will bring courage, joy, hope and good cheer with you? Do people know that when they are around you they will be built up, affirmed and strengthened? Do people cringe on the inside or perhaps politely dismiss themselves because your attitude is more about joy-sucking than joy-giving?
I challenge you this week, first, spend time with the Lord and in His Word so that He can reprogram any “stinking thinking” in your life and so that you will think instead on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Let the Lord transform you by the renewing of your mind. Let the Lord pour out His love and peace, hope and joy into your heart. Let God be the source of your life and joy and meaning.
Secondly, this week, seek to add such value to each person you meet that when they leave your presence they feel richer, fuller, loved and more complete. May their encounter with you be a defining moment in their lives because of how valuable and love they realize they are.
Oh, and just so you know, I think you are awesome to have read this article and taken time to consider my few words. Thank you for sharing a few moments of your life with me. I don’t take it for granted and it affirms to me that I have something valuable to offer to others as well.
Pastor Michael Johnson 