Warriors Arise: July 16, 2023
Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV) When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
So many of us crave affirmation. I have had ask myself why it is important to affirm others. In doing so, I have had to do some self evaluation. Words of affirmation are not my love language; however, I do like to hear them when I feel like I have done a particularly good job on something and when I feel like I really look smashing in an outfit. Although, a simple and short affirmation is best for me, otherwise I feel totally uncomfortable. Just the acknowledgement is enough. It is nice to be noticed that you did something. I struggle to receive affirmation, but it doesn't mean that I shouldn't receive it. I used to deny when someone gave me a compliment or affirmed me. But that is rejecting their kindness, awareness and acknowledgment that I have done something worth noticing. Even writing this feels awkward. I am not fishing for compliments. It goes with what the Lord is revealing about verse 17. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
What if Jesus had responded, "I can't call You Father. Where have You been the last thirty years? I have heard nothing from You. It took this for You to speak to me? Why would You say that You are "well pleased"? Was that for Me or John? What have I done that would please You? I've done nothing. I don't know why You would say something now."
Did any of those responses trigger in you? When someone tries to affirm you or give you a compliment have you thought or responded with one of those comments above? I still have to capture those thoughts. Their affirmation can't depend upon my evaluation or even expectation on what I have done or not done. Their affirmation is their evaluation and it must have meant something to them in order for them to say something. They must see something in what I have done that they want to affirm. How about for you?
How do you receive affirmation or acknowledge of what you have done or achieve?
Do you welcome it?
Do you deny it?
Do you sidestep it?
Do you deflect it?
When we welcome and appreciate their affirmation or acknowledgement, we affirm their judgement. When we deny it, we are telling them they do not know what is good and worthy to affirm. When we sidestep it, we are telling them they are confused, they don't know who they are to affirm. When we deflect it, we are saying they have misevaluated and have no understanding of who is to be affirmed. This makes the individual feel insecure, of their insight and wisdom. They will definitely think twice before affirming anyone again. I believe this is one of the reason so many do not affirm one another, give compliments, or build each other up, even in the faith. It is not about stroking someone's pride. It is about affirming, encouraging and building each other up in something we have put our hands to. It can be a person task or something God has invited us to join Him in accomplishing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV) Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Romans 14:19 (NKJV) Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
Hebrews 3:13 (NKJV) but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
God spoke to me about how I was not honoring Him or the giver of the acknowledgement. He told me just as I am His ambassador when I share my faith. I am also the ambassador who has to receive the acknowledgement, because I was the one doing it, the one they saw, the one that had the shared experience with and I was to receive the affirmation on His behalf. I have learned to receive it as His ambassador. I am not to deny it. I am not to reject it, and say it was all God. They saw God operating through me, because of the end result. However, they saw me empowered by God just as an ambassador is empowered by the authority they represent. This rocked my mindset and I had to learn to be a gracious receiver of affirmation, compliments, and acknowledgements. I need to represent God well in the deed that was done, but also in receiving the affirmation.
Father, I must confess that it is difficult for me to receive compliments, affirmation and acknowledgment of what I have done. I know there is very little I can accomplish without You. I want to make sure that You are given credit, but I know when I deflect and make it all about You, that is not true either. You could do it all by Yourself, but You invited me to join You. We accomplish the task together. I thank You for inviting me to a life long journey of God-opportunities to minister before You, serve those around me and share Your love. I pray they see You in me. I will give You honor and glory because of what has been accomplished. I will receive the affirmation for You and I will celebrate what has been accomplished. I will try not to be uncomfortable, I will be a good recipient of the affirmation; therefore, honoring You and the individual giving the acknowledgments in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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