Not long ago, Sharon Hodges gave me an article on “Balcony People.”  Those are people who have the ability to bring out the very best in us.  “Balcony people” lift us and inspire us.  They are the ones who encourage and support us.

Writing in the South Fulton Citizen, one minister commented on a member at 84 years of age who always made a point of stopping at the door to tell him what a great sermon he preached that day.  He acknowledged that he’s not the greatest preacher and not necessarily the most intelligent minister in the community.  “But,” he commented, “I think I preach better when she is present, and I am always lifted by her encouragement.  She is, for me a ‘balcony person.’”

The Apostle Paul had a falling out with young John Mark after the First Missionary Journey.  Since Mark went home early without completing the trip, Paul did not agree to take him on the second journey.  Barnabas (whose name means “encouragement”) saw something worthwhile, however, and took John Mark under his wing.  Years passed, and near the end of his life, the aged Apostle, in prison and in the shadow of his execution, wrote to Timothy, “Do your best to come to me soon. . . . Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim. 4:9, 11).

The world is full of nay-sayers and those who spread discouragement.  I can relate to the man who exclaimed, “There are lots of self-help tapes out there.  I bought  one called ‘How to Handle Disappointment.’  I got it home and the box was empty.”  It is all too easy to find fault, but “balcony people” seem to be in short supply.  Their influence is sorely needed.  They can, by their words, change lives and destinies.  There are plenty of people who are willing to tell us how we fail to measure up.  But all of us need people around us who believe in us and who help us believe that we are better than we think we are. 

Come to think of it, Sharon herself is a great balcony person, and so is Craig.  In fact, our Cedar Grove family is made up of many such encouragers!  Let’s keep it up.

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The Scriptures say we are to be “seasoned with salt” (Mk. 9:50; Col. 4:6).  That is, we reflect the gracious attitude of Jesus in our lives.  How well are we doing?

Frequently, the people with whom you work reflect your own attitude.  If you are suspicious, unfriendly and condescending, you will find these unlovely traits echoed all about you.  But if you are on your best behavior, with encouragement and inspiration, you will bring out the best in the persons with whom you are going to spend most of your waking hours.  Here are some thoughts:

Good friendships are fragile things and require as much care as any other fragile and precious thing (Randolph S. Bourne).

“A loyal friend laughs at your jokes when they're not so good, and sympathizes with your problems when they're not so bad” (Arnold H. Glasgow).

“In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends” (John Churton Collins).

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I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile, and a positive word!                                       RA