Jimbo's Jots

Part 2 of our series looking at the seven desires that all of us have – the desire to be affirmed. Affirmation is the “pat on the back”, the “nice job” and even the feeling when someone says “thank you”.

Jesus told the parable of the talents. Many times, the focus has been on the one servant who didn’t do anything with his talent. Affirmations were given to the other two servants who took what they were given and increased their value for the master.

Here’s another way to look at it for the one servant. What made him so afraid of the master? Where along the way of working for the master or possibly in his family he didn’t receive any affirmations? Did he live in fear of the master because he had been criticized and belittled before by someone else?

Adults who were criticized or put down as children often struggle with poor self worth and may become codependent on relationships to seek affirmation as adults. They struggle with self-doubt and guilt which may lead to anxiety.

Mark and Debbie Laaser’s say,

“People in our lives provide the feedback we need to develop our self-awareness about how we are doing in the world.” (Seven Desires, p.21)

Not that our value should fall completely on what others think about us. But I’m sure you wonder as I do what others think about me?

My wife still tells the story of our “first encounter”. We were in the same college class together. I was in my third year of college as a ministry major. She was a freshman. I came into the classroom loud, boisterous and rather obnoxious (in her eyes!). That first encounter, along with listening to others who had known me, created enough angst in her that the possibility of dating was not on her radar. Fortunately for me, her perspective changed a year later and we started dating. And the rest is history!

So, I’m here to tell you, YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!! You need to know this and whether you are ready to believe it is one thing. But just know, if you need a cheerleader, I’m one of your fans! And you have a bigger fan who created you . . . and His name is Jehovah!

Be blessed and be a blessing!