Are you put out by people who don’t carry their share of the load? Would you like to energize them in some way? Or, would you prefer they leave your presence and not return? Do you not know that all of us have a part to play?
We often get upset when we are working hard toward a goal for our company, organization, or church and there are some who just don’t seem to be doing their part. We complain about them, but not to their face. We grumble to our leaders about them. We plea for the leaders to do something about the laggards.
Have you stopped to think that perhaps you should do something? No, you can’t fire them, and you probably aren’t in a position to tell them to leave and not come back. Yet, you are in a position to encourage them. Ask them to assist you with a task you have. Then praise them for helping. You might be surprised how that positive impact works on them. Oh, you may not see a 180-degree turnabout on the first try, but you will see improvement as you continue this tack.
You see, we are to love one another, take care of one another, and encourage one another. When we do these things, we see improvement in one another and our team. Sure, we might run into someone who is absolutely obstinate. If we do, and we’ve made several attempts with them, then we go to the leader and ask for help. But why not try to help ourselves by helping others first?
In the end, we are responsible for our own actions. Even if we decide we don’t want to help others, we certainly are not to set on the sidelines and complain about them. That puts us in the same boat with them. We are no better. Even if we are working.
On the other hand, if we see someone is working hard, doing a good job, we should acknowledge them. This is encouragement for the one taking on the hard tasks. It will boost their energy, make them feel appreciated, and will also increase our team productivity.
I pray we all become encouragers. I pray we recognize those who are working hard. I pray each one of us stops our complaining and encourages those we want to complain about to join in doing the work. Be an encourager. Recognize the hard worker. Encourage those who are disheartened. Do not return wrong for wrong. Strive to be good to everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
Marty Pressey 