Skip to main content

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!

 

 

 

  

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Not Just Idle Words

I own a 25 year old car.  The body might be falling apart but the engine runs great and it idles smoothly.  Such idling is good. Idling can also have to do with spending too much time doing nothing or being without purpose or being engaged in that which is pointless.  Such idling is not good. What if I were to tell you that I know of something that is the about as far as being without purpose as you can get?  Would you want it? Here is that something:  “They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”  ( Deut 32:47) Other versions of the Bible use some different words for that first phrase in the verse and such can be helpful in assessing how important the words really are: “Not meaningless words…”   “These are not just useless words…”   “No empty word for you…”   “Not unimportant words…”   “Not useless words…”   ...

Strengthen Your Core

Supposedly, it’s all about your core! That is, in today’s world of physical fitness, it’s all about strengthening your core.  Your core refers to the group of muscles that support your spine and pelvis, providing stability and enabling movement. It's not just your abs; it includes your back muscles, pelvic floor, and even your diaphragm. When your core is strong, it helps you maintain balance and stability. It can help prevent back injuries and help you maintain better posture. It can also help with athletic performance by allowing for more efficient movement and power transfer. And there are, of course, appropriate exercises to strengthen your core. But there is another kind of core, one that is known as the inner self. The inner self, as described in the Bible, refers to the spiritual and moral part of a person, distinct from the physical body or outer man. And while our physical bodies are important and we certainly feel every ache and pain resulting from injury or even aging, o...

Don't Go Knocking or Crossing

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “knock on wood.”  You’ve probably also heard “keep your fingers crossed.”  “Knock on wood” is a common superstition or good luck charm for people to say in the hope of bringing good fortune or to ward off back luck.  Some will actually knock their knuckles on a piece of wood. “Keep your fingers crossed” is also a common superstition or good luck charm people say in the hope that something good will happen.  Some will physically cross their fingers and maybe even encourage you to do the same with them.   There’s sort of an equivalent in the Bible that predates both expressions: Jeremiah 7:4 says:  Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the Lord , the temple of the Lord , the temple of the Lord !”  (Jer 7:4) At that time, people had evidently developed a false sense of security in the invincibility of Jerusalem because God dwelt in the temple in Jerusalem .  They used the expre...