Appreciate the Appreciation and Appreciate!

I love words that have multiple meanings especially when the meanings intertwine.  One such word that does this is the word “appreciate”.  To appreciate is to:

1.  Recognize the worth of;

2.  Rise in value or price;

3.  To be grateful for.

Take a work of art as an example of how this can work.  When art is appreciated (recognized), sometimes that very appreciation causes the piece of work to appreciate (rise in value).  As the art is appreciated and appreciates in value, we might appreciate (be grateful for) the piece and the beauty it brings into our lives.

Interestingly enough, that word “appreciate” works similarly with people.  In 2 Chronicles 30, we find this:  “Hezekiah expressed his appreciation to all the Levites, who demonstrated great skill in serving the Lord. They feasted for the seven days of the festival, and were making peace offerings and giving thanks to the Lord God of their ancestors.”  (2 Chronicles 30:22)

When Hezekiah publicly expressed his appreciation to the Levites, it could be that he was grateful for them.  It could also be that he was appreciating their skills, that is, he was recognizing their worth.  It even appears that as they were appreciated, the Levites appreciated, that is, they rose in value.  Read on:

 “The entire assembly then decided to celebrate for seven more days; so they joyfully celebrated for seven more days.  King Hezekiah of Judah supplied 1,000 bulls and 7,000 sheep for the assembly, while the officials supplied them with 1,000 bulls and 10,000 sheep. Many priests consecrated themselves.  The celebration included the entire assembly of Judah, the priests, the Levites, the entire assembly of those who came from Israel, the resident foreigners who came from the land of Israel, and those who were residents of Judah.  There was a great celebration in Jerusalem, unlike anything that had occurred in Jerusalem since the time of King Solomon son of David of Israel. The priests and Levites got up and pronounced blessings on the people. The Lord responded favorably to them as their prayers reached his holy dwelling place in heaven.” (v. 23-27)

While I’m not sure what can really be attributed to Hezekiah’s appreciation being expressed, I think I’ll go out on a limb of conjecture and suggest some possibilities:

• There was a joyful extended celebration;
• The King and other officials supplied the party goods;
• The celebration was wonderfully inclusive;
• Many priests consecrated themselves;
• Blessings were pronounced on the people;
• Prayers reached God’s holy dwelling place;
• God responded favorably to those prayers.

 Conjectures aside on what actually occurred; I think we can still appreciate some principles regarding appreciation:

• It's good to show appreciation.
• When you receive appreciation, appreciate it.
• When we are appreciated, it should produce appreciation (growth in value).
• As we appreciate (grow in value), we should be more equipped to show appreciation to others.

So, appreciate the appreciation and appreciate!