One of the things I love about Jesus and knowing Him is that He always makes me feel better. When I am having a bad day, He lets me know it’s all going to be okay. When I’m feeling grumpy He cheers me up. When I’m stressed out, He helps me to “chill-out”. When I’m joyful, He adds to my joy.
But one of the best things He does in my life is to help me see myself how He sees me. Which is always in a better light than I see myself. He sees the best in me, and He expects the best of me too.
So when the bible tells us to be imitators of God and to copy His example, one of the best things I can do is to expect and look for the best in others too.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children. and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
John Maxwell calls this putting a “10” on everyone’s head. What that means is giving each person a score of 10 (on a scale of 1 to 10) when we meet them. From the very beginning we assume the best about that person.
It’s expecting the best from people. We choose to see people, not as they are, but as they could be. When we put a “10” on the head of everyone we meet we are choosing to see their value, and because of that we are more likely to take the time with people, seeking to lift them towards their potential.
Many just need someone to encourage and believe in them; for someone to see them. So when we mentally put a 10 on people’s heads it helps us see their value, and why and how we can invest in their lives. Even if it’s just a smile, an encouraging comment, a word of wisdom. Something to let them know they are of value, and that they aren’t invisible! Essentially it’s looking for the good!
“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.”(Benjamin Disraeli)
When we appreciate and take the time to encourage a person we are in fact helping them to be the person God created them to be.
Today, take some time with Jesus and allow Him to encourage you. He always has the best on His mind for you. Let Him “put a 10 on your head”, and then go out and treat others in the same way.
Prayer: Lord thankyou that you always think and expect the best of me. Help me to imitate you, and to see others the same way you do, so that I will look to encourage and help others reach their potential. In Jesus name Amen.
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