MAX ON LIFE

87. In my annual job performance evaluation, my boss told me to try to encourage people more. This doesn't come naturally or easily. I guess I'm a bit of a critic. Any suggestions?

Encouragement is no casual, kind word but rather a premeditated resolve to lift the spirits of a friend.

I heard an example of encouragement once in New York City's LaGuardia Airport. The businessman was in the phone carrel next to mine. He didn't know I was listening. I didn't intend to be listening. But I couldn't help it. He was modeling deliberate encouragement.

Apparently he had just closed a big deal and was on his way back to the home office. Once by one he was calling the office personnel, sharing the big news and giving each one the credit. He must have spoken to a half dozen workers. With each he began the same way: "Great news. We signed the contract. And I want you to know we couldn't have done it without you. Let me tell you why your role was so important." And then he would proceed to thank them specifically for their work. Receptionist, accountant, vice president - each person was applauded. I don't know who he was, but I know he knew the power of deliberate encouragement.

An encourager does more than slap a few folks on the back. Sometimes he takes a risk on behalf of someone else. That's what Barnabas did. He was such a source of encouragement that the apostles changed his name from Joseph to Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). At no point did he live up to his name more than the day he defended the new convert.

No one else wanted anything to do with the guy. Who would want a murderer in the church? But that's who Saul was. And that's why the apostles were skeptical.

Barnabas, however, practiced deliberate encouragement. "But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he [Saul] had seen the Lord on the road, and that He [Jesus] had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out" (Acts 9:27-28).

Suppose Barnabas had stayed quiet. Or suppose Barnabas had followed the crowd. Would the church have ever known Paul?

Every life needs a Barnabas. I encourage you to be one to someone else.

By: Max Lucado