The Island of Recognition Lust

I am leaving the island of Recognition Lust. This is the place where people live who care too much about what others think of them. It's a place where I lived for too many years. It has tugged at me a bit as I left the harbor and then the channel surrounding the island. Now just a shadow of it sits in the sunset as I drift farther and farther away from its’ mesmerizing pull. It looks beautiful in the sunset to my eyes of flesh. The question I now ask is, "Why has it's allurement had such a hold on me for so long?" Perhaps it was the lure of its’ charm, promises and claims. Having dwelt on that island, I now know in my heart that having a residence there wasn't all it was cracked up to be but I had to live there for a while to discover its’ thorny bushes, and swamp of quicksand and venomous snakes.

Here's an interesting question. If caring too much what others think, is unhealthy. What is a healthy response to the encouragement of another? How is one to give and receive encouragement if living on “Recognition Lust Island” has created an unhealthy appetite? The answer must lie in receiving encouragement from others with grace realizing that I am not my own, I am the prize possession of Creator of the universe.

When encouragement is given and received, all glory is given to Christ, my master and Lord for whatever good may come from a life lived in His service. Receive encouragement and give Glory to God.

“Oh Lord, teach me to encourage others as you would. I do want to affirm the gifts of others, especially my precious children for example, but the exercise of encouragement must most often be detached from performance based observations. It need not be earned but should be shared in love and because of love for one another. Grant me the grace to learn how to encourage others in a loving way, and receive encouragement with grace and humility. Amen.”