What motivates us to do our best? Are we challenged by critique or praise, or a combination of both? I love to watch sports movies as much as the next guy. It's cool to see people overcome great odds to win. There is something that appeals to all of us when the underdog rises from the bottom to become a champion. But how did they get there? What inspired them not to give up?
As an encourager I want to tell people not to give up, but to keep trying. I want to give them the "magic" advice that will turn the tide of disappointment in the their life to victory. One of many ways to encourage others to "do" better is the liver sandwich method. That is where you say something positive first and then a critique and then finish with something positive again. Even though that method feels positive, human nature gets stuck on the negative.
I recently read a blog by Rachel Macy Stafford entitled "Six Words You Should Say Today." She had read an article in which she saw this phrase: "I love to watch you play." As she began to practice this with her children, she said she could almost hear her child's mind say, "The pressure's off. She just loves to watch me ...; that is all."
As I read her blog, I realized that is what Father says to us; "I love to watch you my child!" That truly takes the pressure off of us. Unfortunately, religion has made it all about performance. We have been taught that God expects our best, but what is our best? How good is good enough? Is it possible for God to just enjoy watching us because we are simply His?
I think I have come closest to understanding this through being a grandfather. My oldest is two and a half and her younger first cousin is almost two. They are very different from each other, not to mention one is a girl and the other a boy. The older one started walking at nine months and the other around thirteen months. I didn't think there was anything wrong because the second one started walking later. I just enjoy watching them. I love everything about them! They are a joy to be around. The coolest part is to see their little faces light up when they see Mimi and Papa.
Father reminded me that He loves to watch me. He doesn't compare me to Jesus as I was taught by many well-meaning folks in my life. If that were so, He would know nothing but disappointment. Who can compare their behavior with that of Christ and come away looking good!? No one! It's not about behavior, but about relationship. Father loves us because of who He is. As His children, He loves to see us grow. When He rescued us from the domain of darkness (Col. 1:13) He immediately changed our identity and justified us. He made us perfect and holy and righteous, but we still have to grow experientially into that truth.
My grandchildren are made to be adults, but they don't look like adults yet, nor do they act like it. They will become adults one day, but today I'm going to enjoy watching them. We were made to behave perfect, but we're not there yet. Nonetheless, Father does enjoy watching us!
