Power of acknowledgement

Scripture: James 3:1-3; Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.

Observations: Teachers will be judged more strictly because they/we are giving guidance on what to belief. We are teaching truth from God, so when we error, we then are teaching heresy, or at least unsound doctrine. So, in the church, teachers need to be in touch with the Word and the Spirit, and not add or take away anything from God’s Word. The church is steered by teaching that happens through the message and worship, through ministries that meet weekly, through counseling and through coaching. Anywhere the tongue is used to provide guidance, we need to be very aware of our words.

Application: Acknowledgement is such a powerful, simple gift. At the FIRE, I make a point of introducing men to one another. It makes people feel important and “seen” when you introduce them to someone. I stand at the name tag “label table” and I greet every man who comes in, by name, if I can. Last night, Sherman who is new to the FIRE, was standing at the table, filling out a label. Sherman is pretty famous as a former member with Andrea Crouch and the Imperials. Yet, at the FIRE, he isn’t known. So, when Jon walked up, I introduced him to Sherman. It gave them both a sense of being “seen”, and being important enough to me that I would introduce them. Such a small thing, and yet so life-giving. With our tongue we set the tone for our friendships and we steer our relationships. We can speak life-giving words of acknowledgement and affirmation, or speak no words at all. No words leave people feeling unseen, wondering what their value is. Acknowledgement is so important in making people feel seen and valued.

Prayer: Jesus, help me speak and acknowledge people well today.