Recognize Such People
Reading in Corinthians recently, I came across an exhortation from Paul I didn’t remember seeing before. While the concept is common throughout Jesus’ teachings, it’s one I don’t always practice, and as I read and reread, I became convinced this small act is something that could make a big difference in someone’s day. So, I asked Jesus for opportunities to intentionally emulate the ways of Paul as he closed his letter to the Corinthians; a simple admonition to “recognize such people” (1 Corinthians 16.18).
In the preceding paragraph of the chapter, Paul mentions the household of Stephanas and commends them for serving the saints. In verse 18 he continues, “For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, recognize such people.” There it was. The precept to recognize people in our lives who refresh us and encourage us along our way.
My first stop after reading and contemplating these words was the gym. That day we had an instructor I had seen a few times who was very friendly, yet stereotypically not my type. Her choice of words and the lifestyle she portrayed led me to believe we didn’t have anything in common other than we both found value in a good workout. (In fact, our motives for being at the gym didn’t even coincide; she loved to work out; I merely tolerated it loathingly as a must-do on that day’s list of things to check off.)
Looking past our differences, I began to take note of her teaching practices. Her love of exercise was obvious. She was a great encourager to all levels of participants in her class. She made a valiant effort to learn and remember the new peoples’ names. (A huge plus in my book!) And she stayed after to chat with us as we wiped down our sweaty equipment and gathered our belongings. She was an excellent teacher. She refreshed me. And I needed to tell her.
Rather than my usual farewell greeting of “great class; thanks,” I waited several extra minutes and in front of the other classmates said to her, “Thank you. You are a great instructor! I love the way you encourage all of us, and I’m grateful for you.” And by the look on her face and the few seconds of silence from her lips, I’m pretty sure Jesus through me made her day.