Would you be friends with someone who only brushed their teeth when food was visibly wedged between their teeth?

They’d only wash their hands when black smudges followed behind when they touched stuff?

How bout if they only showered when there was green steam emanating from their body?

I don’t think I could.

That behavior seems odd and downright disgusting to me.

What about in your own life?

Do you only weed your yard once a year and leave the rest to chance?

Only mow it once figuring it will make up for the other times when your lawn is nasty and overgrown?

Do you pay your bills occasionally and only when you feel like it?

Let me clarify, you have the money, you simply figured the companies would appreciate it more if you made them wait between payments.

After all, if you paid monthly they’d get used to it.

You want them to really appreciate your money.

Of course that would be nonsensical.

You couldn’t go through life that way.

Some things need to be done routinely.

Personal hygiene, caring for your home and paying bills are done best when done regularly.

Complimenting, encouraging and building others up is also done best when done regularly.

Unfortunately, many have bought into the idea that only doing this occasionally will increase our effectiveness.

We make the mistake of thinking a compliment on a rare occasion will have more impact.

I’ve personally thought this: I don’t want to heap too much praise; after all, I don’t want them to get a big ego.

That’s not for me to decide.

My job is to encourage. To build up. To believe the best.

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it. (1 Thessalonians 5.11, MSG)

Make complimenting, encouraging and building others up part of your daily routine.