What are you motivated by? A lot of us are motivated by praise. We want to know that we’ll be appreciated and that our diligent work will be acknowledged. In general, people like to be thanked and honored. Whether you are a leader, a co-worker, a parent, a friend – we’ve learned that people get braver when when love gets expressed.
Jesus was no exception. In reading the gospel according to Mark, we find in the beginning a brief account of Jesus being baptized by his cousin John the Baptist. It was a significant act that honored John and fulfilled the work he came to do: “prepare the way for the Lord.” God honored them both as John raised Jesus up out of the water by speaking over them saying, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Who are people that you need to speak into today? Who needs encouragement in your home? Who should be honored at work? Who of your friends do you need to affirm and appreciate? This is more than just being nice. This is the kind of stuff that sustains life and gets us through the tough times.
The very next story in the gospel of Mark has the Spirit of God sending Jesus out into the wilderness. The same Spirit that descended upon Jesus at the baptism, bringing with it words of love and affirmation was the same Spirit that sent Jesus out among the wild animals and the satan to be tested and tempted for forty days.
The Father knew that his Son needed to be strengthened with encouraging words because a very difficult test was coming. John also will soon face a terrible test. While Jesus was out in the depths of the wilderness, I imagine the words of his Father echoed deep in his heart: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Most people are under-encouraged. And most people are going through a tougher time than you imagine. So take time to notice. Make space to be present and pay attention. Don’t just throw out empty platitudes. Give a gift of speaking into someone’s life, noticing them and giving honor and kindness. Words can heal, embolden, and sustain.
It may be that the tough times people are going through are designed by God as part of their mission in life; it could be the tough times are just because life is rough; and sometimes tough times come from our folly and sins. But all of it can be used by God for good, if we let him. And sometimes that gets spurred by our diligent work of speaking words of kindness and hope into the those around us enduring tough times.
A lot of life is preparation for what is next. And a lot of times what is next is going to be hard – especially if you are a leader, and are one who is being sent to bring healing and reconciliation to our world through Jesus. So as followers of Jesus, we know that tough times are ahead, testing is part of our path, we must endure temptation – but it’s for a purpose.
In the midst of your wilderness, remember these words of honor and love from your Father in heaven: “You are my Daughter, You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Now go, and do likewise.