Most everyone loves getting some unexpected cash. With talks of stimulus checks and many families trying to figure out how to make ends meet in challenging times, money is certainly on people’s minds. Perhaps you are familiar with internet personalities like Mr. Beast or Bill Pulte that are known for giving away money just for the fun of it? I love what they do so I too have been handing out hundred dollar bills… in a manner of speaking.
The book of Proverbs says something that got me thinking about what is truly valuable, universally needed, and of which I have unlimited access. Proverbs 25:11 says, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the right time.” Now, I don’t know how much people these days are longing for golden apples with silver trim but I do now how valuable an encouraging word is; especially in these very challenging days. And more than ever I have discovered just how powerful it is when we share an affirming, encouraging word with someone for no reason other than to communicate value and love. (Click here to read my post, “Do You Care Enough To Ask A Question?”)
Isn’t Getting Paid Good Enough?
One of my least favorite concepts I hear people talk about from time-to-time is their determination to not thank someone for simply “doing their job”. Maybe you have heard this before or have even been taught it? I worked for an organization one time where my supervisor would constantly say things like, “sorry, but I am not going to thank you for waking up this morning.” This was a passive-aggressive way of saying “don’t expect me to thank you for simply doing the thing you are being paid to do.” Needless to say, it wasn’t the most encouraging environment in which to work and therefore not many people stuck around for very long. Any wonder why?
Yes, we were getting paid, and yes we agreed to do a job. But we also were all trying our best, navigating difficult circumstances at home and at work, and at times, needed to know our hard work was valued and appreciated. Cash is nice, but it only goes so far. Sometimes we need someone to look us in the face and say, “you are doing a good job and I am proud of you.” Apples of gold. Settings of silver. I have seen people nearly lose their life, exhausting themselves for someone to simply give them the gift of an encouraging, affirming word. Most of them had plenty of money to meet their needs.
We all have things we must do and we also have a responsibility to develop self-discipline that enables us to do what is required whether we fell like it or not. However, to believe that our hearts will be inspired, encouraged, and refreshed simply because we get paid for the work we are doing is near-sighted. I have found that an encouraging word, a short text message, a quick phone call, or simply looking someone in the eyes and thanking them for the hard work they are doing (whether they are getting paid to do it or not) is like handing out hundred dollar bills. (Click here to read my post, “Why I Still Handwrite Letters”)
Let’s Make It Rain
Can I challenge you to join me in not letting a single day go by where you haven’t proactively encouraged someone? I literally do it every single day. Sometimes I will craft a short text message in the morning during my prayer time and then ask the Holy Spirit to show me who needs it for that day. Then, I will copy and paste it, refining certain aspects to personalize it for the person I am sending it to, and “make it rain” as I send encouragement out across the world. I have found it is like handing out hundred dollar bills and, I would suggest, it is just as rewarding.
Several times in my life I have left a waiter a hundred dollar tip, typically after eating something simple like a sandwich or a bowl of soup, just to bless them. It is a wonderful feeling and an exciting adventure that I highly encourage. However, our financial resources are limited. You have an unlimited supply of encouraging words. Start handing out hundred dollar bills everywhere you go by thanking the person who picks up your garbage, busses your table at the restaurant, teaches your children, cares for your health, and on, and on, and on. It is one of my favorite things to do and I believe it will be yours as well if you will be proactive. You are more wealthy than you think! Be generous on every occasion. (Click here to read my post, “Driven By Gratitude”)
From the Bible
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. – Proverbs 25:11 ESV
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:10-22 ESV
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus… – Romans 15:5 ESV