Celebrating the Success of Others

Celebrating the Success of Others
When I was in one of my preacher boy classes in College I had a professor that said something I’ll never forget. He said that if we ever become senior pastors and one of our assistant pastors receives a gift from someone in the congregation, but we didn’t receive anything, that we should be happy for our assistant pastor. That should be a moment of genuinely celebrating the success of others.
Luke chapter 15 contains examples of celebrating the success of others.

• The shepherd in verses 1-7 was successful in finding his lost sheep. He says in verse 6, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.”
• The woman in verses 8-10 found her lost coin and says in verse 9, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.”
• The father in verses 11-32 had found his lost son and says in verses 22-24, “‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”

On the negative side, the prodigal son’s brother in Luke 15 wasn’t too excited about the finding of his lost brother. In fact, the brother refused to join in on the celebration with all the others. We are at times a selfish, prideful and jealous people…we long for the attention and recognition and when we don’t receive it, but others do, it doesn’t settle well with us.
What if the other person received the promotion that you thought you deserved? What if the other person received the starting spot on the team that you thought you deserved? What if the other person moved into a really nice house or bought a new car and are excited about it – will you choose to show them that you’re genuinely happy for them? Or will you choose to be silent, distant, bitter and jealous towards them?
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (NIV)
So please allow me to encourage you to celebrate with someone who just experienced a success moment. Be a rejoicer, rather than a “prodigal son’s brother.” Who do you hear asking you to come and rejoice with them? Will you choose to join them?
Be looking for someone to celebrate with in their success today. Maybe you can be the one to initiate congratulating them and to initiate the celebration event. Enjoy!
Practicing His Presence,
Nate