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Writer's pictureDavid Lutes

5 THANK GOD FOR THEM

1 Thessalonians 1:2

2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.


Giving thanks for others, bringing them to God in prayer and gratefully keeping people in

your thoughts is a no-brainer in terms of personal spiritual health. It's not all about you - or me! One of Paul's 'secrets' to being able to say, "I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of the gospel of Christ." 

(Rom. 10:25) was that he kept the focus off himself and put it on God and others. In almost every letter he wrote to the different churches he 'makes mention' of those under his care and goes to some lengths to describe 'the length, depth, breadth and height' of the love he prays God will shower upon them...along with countless other benefits and blessings. 


As leaders we must understand that our people need to know that we care about them, appreciate them, and see them as people and not as a convenient and even disposable means to a larger corporate end - over which they have little control. Whether we like them or not, respect them or not, see value in their contribution or not...we should pray for them and trust and ask God to help us see them as He sees them. 


Thinking and praying about and finding just one good thing to give thanks for in others is the first step in appreciating people for who they are - namely, God's creation in whom He has invested Himself and as those He loves unconditionally. Telling them you appreciate them (preferably, sincerely) is also 'smart business'.


This author is the first to admit that this sounds too much like a Sunday message designed to make the hearers/readers feel guilty over the weekend, juicing up people with good intentions for the week's work ahead...only to discover that you've leaked grace, empathy, and kindness like a sieve by Wednesday. A great starting point is to not try to carry everyone on your spiritual shoulders. Accept the responsibility to care and pray but start small...and don't beat yourself up too much...look for little victories in your own attitude and actions. And celebrate them.


PRAYER ACTION

Make a list of everyone whose life you touch in some way or other on a daily basis at work. Use the 'make mention' prayer method...thank God for them and 'present' them and 'make mention' of them briefly to Him. (Romans 1:9; Ephesians 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Philemon 1:4). As and when specific concerns or issues or problems in their lives come to mind, more clearly or specifically, pray more about that. Go to them during the day and tell them you have been thinking (or even praying) about them, their work, their challenges, etc. Just let them know somehow, someway, that you care.


"Leadership is action, not position."

(Donald H McGannon)

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