In Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom, Huck Finn, and Joe Harper slinked off for a few days away without telling anyone. Back home, their distraught loved ones assumed they had drowned, so they held a funeral. The boys—being boys—sneaked back into town and watched the funeral from the rafters of the church. There they enjoyed hearing the good things that were said about them.
A friend of mine took to heart the idea of telling people the good they had done in life—not waiting for their funeral service to do it. He wrote “eulogies” for several friends as birthday gifts. The response was exceedingly positive.
The apostle Paul understood the value of genuine praise and encouragement. He began most of his letters by building up his intended audience. In his letter to the Philippians, he called them “my partners in spreading the good news about Christ from the time you first heard it until now” (Philippians 1:5). He expressed confidence that they would be “standing together with one spirit and one purpose” (Philippians 1:27). He spoke of their “faithful service” (Philippians 2:17) and called them “my joy and . . . crown” (Philippians 4:1). He praised them for their generous financial support of his ministry (Philippians 4:10-19).
All this praise was couched in the context of a faith and unity deeply rooted in Jesus. Paul said, “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6). This will result in “the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ,” which in turn “will bring much glory and praise to God” (Philippians 1:11).
Those of us who follow Christ are “dead to . . . sin” (Romans 6:11). Paul made his life a vibrant eulogy of gratitude to God. We can too.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 15:22-27; 17:1-7
More:
Galatians 1 provides an exception to Paul’s habit of praising his readers. What is the reason for this exception? (See Galatians 1:6-9.)
Next:
Who needs to hear encouragement or praise from you this week? How can you say it and show it?
mike on February 11, 2012 at 8:18 am
I was thinking of how important my words are especially when someone close to me has disappointed with poor life choices.
I think choosing honest, encouraging and uplifting words of restoration is critical in these moments of life.
Thanks for the wonderful reminder.
Blessings!!
GChoo on February 11, 2012 at 10:40 am
You reminded me about the recent conversation i had with my teenager son. We were talking about his friend’s parental problem, and he revealed that now he really appreciate certain rules we set on him when he was younger. He did not really want to tell me so that i will not have the satisfaction of knowing that we did the right thing. I can only thank God that he did.
I think we live in a culture where we do not really praise our loved ones or others in case they become too complacent with their success or get too egoistic. Many a times, it has created a sad and unfinished ending to relationships when a loved one passed away at an early age or suddenly. We live with regrets and questions ourselves why we have not shown our honest feelings about the deceased. I pray for myself and all, that God will give us the love, boldness and to take away the idea of not giving satisfaction to our loved ones of our sincere compliments to them they deserve.
Yes Tim, we do not have to wait to say good things to people at their funeral. Do it now when they are alive.
BearPair on February 12, 2012 at 3:50 pm
Tim, what excellent words of wisdom! This is so often a missing ingredient–yet, such a needful element–in our lives today! We so often see these “greetings” of Paul as just that; as an eulogy they become even stronger!