One effective method of increasing a child’s confidence is through praise. As he takes his first step, you urge him on; even when he falls, you compliment his efforts. That’s what encourages him to try again.
Praise and encouragement are so relevant to growth, output and development not only for children but adults also. Praise has built the confidence of workers. Praise has helped marriages. Praise has done wonders in the lives of children who received it amply. But when you stop getting those compliments that boost you, that stir you up and give you more strength to move on, what do you do? The fact is as we grow spiritually we cannot afford to rely on the encouragement of others to stir us up. That obviously is reserved for the babes in Christ.
The crave for praise or recognition has driven men into compromise. People have done and will always do anything to merit the praise of men. The Bible says of the Pharisees that they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43 also tells us, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” How typical of people even in today’s society.
People would deny the truth for the sake of acceptance. Don’t be like them. Don’t feel bad when nobody commends your effort; when nobody thanks you or appreciates your hard work. You move on to a level where you depend on God’s strength and not man’s acknowledgement. Actually, all the praise we get as believers go to God. He merits them. So rather than you taking all the credit for what you’ve done, learn today to give God the praise, knowing that without His help you could never have accomplished them.
