The Power of Applause

Encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25, NLT)

A violin instructor explained how children as young as two, three and four years old are taught to play violin. The first thing the children learn, he said, is a proper stance. And the second thing the children learn--even before they pick up the violin--is how to take a bow. "If the children just play the violin and stop, people may forget to show their appreciation," the instructor said. "But when the children bow, the audience invariably applauds. And applause is the best motivator we've found to make children feel good about performing and want to do it well."

We all respond to applause and we all need encouragement.

“I have yet to find the man, however great or exalted his station, who did not work better and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than he would ever do under a spirit of criticism” Charles Schwab. Pres. Bethlehem Steel.

DAY LIGHTERS by Nico Bougas. Available from amazon.com

What is the Church?

Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. (2 Corinthians 3:2, NLT)

Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the United States Senate, said something about the church that is pertinent : "In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America where it became an enterprise."

Before you say a hearty “Amen!”. What is your church like? Is it all about ministry or is it about money and programmes? And what is your own Christian life like? Does it reflect the spirit of Jesus or of the world.

From DAY LIGHTERS by Nico Bougas. available from Amazon.com