Unless You…Become as Little Children (Matt. 18:2f)
Think of it this way. . .
“The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”—William James, father of psychology
At the same time, a person may be so lacking in social skills or hold such selfish, negative attitudes that they offend others and are difficult to appreciate. Yet, little children seem to automatically and quickly enjoy other little children. Then why and when did we, as adults, start to become so critical, prejudiced and judgmental? Is simply living together some- thing we need to work on? Yep.
It seems our feelings of friendliness and good behavior toward others are to be studied, learned and guarded because they’re not perfectly inbred. When we realize that human beings are created in God’s image (not physically, of course), and that we were created to be social creatures, then we see the necessity for developing successful ways to live and work together.
“The more we understand human nature, and the more insight we have about the fundamental needs and desires of humans, the more successful will be our own human relations.”— Murry Banks
If you can make others sincerely feel special, show them kindness, be a good listener and respond appropriately to their concerns, you’ll be pretty far along on having what you want in your own life, as well (Golden Rule/Reaping what you sow. Remember?) Those of us living this way are members of the same Mutual Appreciation Society.
“One cannot expect to be automatically welcomed by others or warmly received, just because one expects it, or wants to be…to be able to deal with others so that they feel more satisfied with themselves, you must have a certain amount of importance yourself.
The principle: “BECOME RESPECTED AND ADMIRED YOURSELF AS A PERSON OF STNANDING AND PRESTIGE; THEN DEAL WITH YOUR ASSOCIATES IN SUCH A WAY THAT, AS A RESULT OF KNOWING YOU THEY ARE MORE SATISFIED WITH THEIR OWN ATTAINMENTS.”— Murry Banks
-John D.
