Encourage Others!
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
When was the last time you talk to a fellow creative and what did you talk about? Do you remember what the tone of the conversation was? Was it upbeat and enthusiastic, or was it full of grumbling and complaints?
Now, I want to preface this with the fact that it is not a problem to discuss issues you are having in your projects with other creatives! Sometimes we need that outside perspective to help us come up with solutions and move forward in what we’re working on. That type of discussion can be a form of encouragement itself, as we help each other grow in our crafts and talents.
What I am referring to is grumbling, or habit of complaining about work. Not only is this problem a bad habit for us to get in about our own projects and work, but it is a bad habit to foster in our brothers and sisters. It can encourage a negative mindset about the talents, abilities, and tasks that God has given them and keep them from finding joy in their work.
We are, of course, not responsible for their mindset — that is ultimately their choice — but some outside encouragement can do wonders and is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible. God knows this world is difficult and one of the tools He gives us to navigate it is the Body of Christ.
Well…what if this fellow creative’s work is very, er, charming…and I’m struggling to encourage him/her in it?
If their work is a sin and you are in the position to do so, call them out in a loving and Christ-centered way. Be kind, gracious, and understanding, but firm in your convictions and ultimately rooted in Scripture!
If, however, it is more an issue with style or quality, remember that encouragement doesn’t mean compliments — especially if you feel those compliments would be a lie if you said them. There are many other ways to encourage those around us, including making note of their progress, effort, or time put into a project, complimenting what you can find in the project or media that you like, and exhorting them to continue their work for the Kingdom. Encouragement is multi-faceted and adaptable!
Putting it into Action: reach out to a fellow Christian creative today and ask how you can encourage them. It may be through constructive discussion, it may be through exhortation that they are doing good work for the Kingdom, or it may be through prayer, the reading of Scripture, or even with a cup of tea! Don’t be afraid to encourage those around you, even those that you may view as rivals. If they are your brothers and sisters in Christ, you are both on the same side!
