As I type the title for this post, I am reminded of movies in which someone picks up a hitchhiker or someone walking along the road, and when they pull up to them they ask, “Need a lift, buddy?”  In a way, I guess that’s what I’m asking you today.  As we all travel along this road called life, things can get a bit depressing, disappointing, and discouraging.  And while I don’t offer you a ride, I do offer you a lift. 

Encouragement; it’s today’s most precious commodity.  It is what every single person needs, and it seems to have become exceptionally rare.  We crave and hunger for someone to verify our significance, to affirm who we are and what we do.  People want to be accepted, and encouragement is the primary tool for communicating acceptance to a world that, quite honestly, is dealing with severe esteem issues.

Is it so difficult for us to give a sincere compliment to others, to commend someone on a job well done, or to thank a person for his or her faithfulness?  Small things, really, but they have a huge impact.  And, if we are in need of a lift ourselves, giving encouragement to others is a great morale booster.

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing. I Thessalonians 5:11 (New English Translation, NET)

I would challenge you to be especially sensitive to the Holy Spirit as He leads you to people who need a word of encouragement.  You may find them in the strangest places; places like board rooms, the checkout line at Walmart, your child’s Little League game, the local jail, or even your own home.  They may be folks you have never dreamed of complimenting or encouraging before: your boss, the co-worker you don’t particularly like, the grumpy cashier, the person who does your nails, your mechanic, the man who delivers your pizza, a husband or wife with whom you think you no longer have anything in common, or even a total stranger you pass on the street.

Let’s be a light of hope and encouragement to a world drowning in ridicule and personal attacks. Shine the light of Jesus to those who are sinking in despair.  All it takes is a kind word, a sincere compliment, and affirming pat on the back.  Let’s be the primary distributors of that priceless commodity called encouragement. When you do, God will bring some encouragement right back around to you!