Compliments and applause run rampant at our church. Yes, it’s a great thing! The body of Christ encouraging, complimenting, applauding each others efforts, gifts, talents, sacrifice and hard work for God builds the heart and soul.

Until, the lack of genuineness and a feeling of being taken advantage of seems to cloud sincerity. Applause and compliments can turn into a smokescreen of that makes people feel devalued, even used.

I notice that the applause we give each other for the “work of the ministry” can sometimes replace the “value of ministry.”

The point: Affirm and appreciate others with genuine sincerity – don’t “go through the motions” of encouragement if you don’t mean it.