Up

by Tim Howard

Have you ever met someone intriguing? Someone who made you feel better – just for being around them? You may have encountered them while things were dark and difficult but their presence, their words and their actions cheered you up. I’ve met people like that and they were a joy to be with.

John Maxwell – in one of his books talks about the “Elevator Principle.’
This principle says people are like elevators. Some bring you up and others bring you down. I can’t speak for you but I enjoy being with those who are going up and tend to bring others along with them. When you are with that type of person you are encouraged, enlightened and elevated to a higher place.

The Apostle Paul met a man like this when he first started to follow Jesus. His name was Joseph but the Apostles nicknamed him Barnabas because of his characteristics. He was a man who encouraged people and influenced them to see things in a positive light. He lived out the admonition found in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up ...”

As a young man I struggled with Dysthymia, which is sometimes called chronic depression. It seems to be less severe than deep depression but still has long-lasting symptoms. I liken it to putting something on the back burner. You can still function in life but there is always something in the background that keeps dragging you into a state of discouragement, which triggers depression. If it weren’t for caring and compassionate people encouraging me along the way – I don’t know where I would be today!

Discouragement in the dictionary means to lose confidence and enthusiasm. In fact, it is closely connected to the word courage. When you lose courage to move on and pursue life to its fullest – you are experiencing discouragement.

Throughout the Bible we see this happening to people over and over again. They lose their courage and people come to their aid with a specific word, a helping hand, a letter or a visit that brings encouragement. The Apostle Paul might have learned this art form from Barnabas because he modeled this form of motivation throughout the New Testament.

Many doors allow discouragement to enter into our personal world. Failure is one of them. It is a major reason for discouragement and when it knocks on your door watch out – especially if the door is open and it finds easy access. The level of failure will greatly determine the depth of discouragement. Loss of something or someone – Chronic pain – Betrayal – Broken relations and grief are just a few of those experiences that fuel discouragement but many more exist.
         
Sometimes we hurt and it has nothing to do with us personally. We haven’t failed – we haven’t been a contributor – it just happens! We may hurt because our children hurt. Possibly a friend is going through a difficult time and because of our closeness to them, we feel their pain. When pain comes in it’s various forms  it helps to have an encourager by your side. Why? Because encouragement is the antidote to discouragement and we all need a shot of support now and again.

The author of Hebrews tells people not to neglect meeting together because connecting with others is a great source of strength. You will be amazed at the number of people desiring to be with you if you are an elevator person who likes to go ‘up’

People called Joseph – Barnabas because he lifted people up. What do people call you?