La necesidad de reconocimiento en el ser humano

"...encourage one another and build one another up..." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

After thirty years of marriage, his wife was about to "throw in the towel." "I've had enough of living with you. You never tell me you love me anymore...". He replied, "When we got married I told you I loved you; if I change my mind, I'll let you know." Many leaders expect their followers to function on "autopilot" like the hard-hearted former husband. They don't understand that people flourish when they are esteemed; they need it. Sometimes Christian organizations are the worst: "You are working for the Lord and He will reward you." Yes, we all work for that final "pat on the back" in Heaven, but God expects us to give it to others along the way as well. Paul wrote, "...encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Some people don't need encouragement. They are so strong and so busy that any attempt at praise would be like an irritating gnat flying around the face; with a confused look they would reject it. There are also people who are suspicious of compliments because others took advantage of them. In their case, all you have to do is be nice to them. But most of us need recognition, and in large quantities. Phillis Theroux wrote: "One of the things in life that most people will never get enough of is compliments. The ego is never so full that it won't accept a little courtesy. Compliments, by their very nature, are highly `biodegradable' and tend to `dissolve' within a few hours or a few days of receiving them, so we can always benefit from another one!"