Monday, 6/30/14
I suppose all of you have been to those fancy hamburger restaurants where you can choose how you want your burger prepared and then add your choice of trimmings when its ready. Well, one fellow went to such a place and wanted his burger medium rare. When he sat down and took his first bite, he knew it was not what he ordered. Reminding himself that he would not get upset, he took his burger back to the counter and calmly told the young lady who took his order, “Miss, my burger was well done.” She replied “Thanks, I’m glad you liked it; I’ll let the cook know.” C’mon now, it wasn’t that corny.
Actually, I purposely started with this goofy story to remind you today of a better usage and application of the words, “well done.” In Jesus’ Parable of the Talents, He spoke of the man who distributed talents to three of his servants. To the two who used them wisely and returned them with interest, he said, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness. (Matthew 25:21) The master of these servants was wise in understanding how important it is to recognize and commend those who do well. He also understood the value of having that type of servant tending to his business. To many, this may seem an insignificant gesture, but I sincerely believe that we are all born with an inner desire to be commended when we do something, no matter how slight, for those we love. When I see children in church proudly display to their parents what they did in Sunday School, I remember many years ago when I would proudly show my school work to my parents. I bet you did too.
Today, think of the people in your life that could use a little pat on the back or even hear you tell them, “well done.” And it doesn’t have to be something great or extraordinary, any little old thing will do. So often, we take the opposite route. We do like those parents who verbally scold their children because they didn’t get all A’s in their report card. I personally believe that praise is a greater motivator than reprimand. I trust you believe the same way too. After all, whether it is praise or reproof, we’ve all been on the receiving end of both.
Memory verse for the week: (Hebrews 10:25) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
