Praise the Work

"So the sons of Israel did all the work according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses. And Moses examined all the work and behold, they had done it; just as the Lord had commanded, this they had done. So Moses blessed them." -Exodus 39.42-43

The work has been completed, and now it is presented to Moses for inspection. As he looks over the tent and it's supports, the items for inside out outside, and the garments for the priests, everything has been completed as God commanded. They have done the job, and done it well. And now Moses blesses them.

When the task has been completed, Moses doesn't spare his praise. He doesn't hold back the affirmation to the people. He tells them that they have done well, that God will be pleased by their work. He doesn't hide his feelings of pride and joy for the job that has been well done. He lets the people know that they have done well.

Men, how often do we offer words of praise to those who do work for us? How quickly do the words come? When our children do well in school, or do their chores, do we praise them? Do we let them know that their work did not go unnoticed, or unappreciated? Or do we treat it as if it was just an expectation for them to do it, and no comment is necessary? When our wives make a good meal do we tell them, or do we simply eat and act as if it is her duty to cook? Do we thank her for the job she does with the children? Or Outside the home?

These things are easy to miss. I personally need to work on them. I don't want good work, or work done with the right intentions, to go unnoticed. I want to be someone who praises a good job and lets others know that it has been noticed, even the small, seemingly insignificant things.

If we are people who offer praise and blessing, it becomes a joy to do work for us. If your employees know that you appreciate the job they are doing, they will more joyfully do it. If your children know that you appreciate their help around the house, and them doing well in school, it won't seem like a chore to them. If your wife knows that you appreciate all that she does, she'll respect you so much more, and be so much more joyful to bless you for your work.

Let us be men who do not hold back praise. Let us offer it quickly and freely.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor