Appreciation

1 Corinthians 16:18
You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well. (NLT)

Often in our lives appreciation is shown with something tangible like a gift or a reward. We do well in a sport we are involved with and they give us a trophy in apperception for our contribution to the winning season.

As we grow up it is easy to think of appreciation as a monetary reward. Then we come to expect it! Even at holidays like Valentines Day. This is the day we shown someone we love our appreciation. The stores want us to purchase cards and flowers and gifts.

I remember my mother and father. Each Valentines Day he would draw pictures and cartoons with hearts and place them everywhere. When we came to visit them in their later days, we would not be surprised to see the drawings in the refrigerator or on the bathroom mirror. He was showing his appreciation for my mother and his love for her.

In many churches today it is expected that appreciation is shown with a large offering. This can be good, but what about when we clap and perhaps even cheer when the praise and worship team finishes a particularly good piece? What about a letter or email written to someone in the church body or even the pastor recognizing a great meeting or message?

How about recognizing those who serve in rolls such as cleaning the church, playing a musical instrument, working the sound board, taping the sermons, updating the Web site, etc. Shouldn't we take the time to recognize them individually and thank them for a job well done? There are many who serve us well.