Practicing Affirmation
by Sam Crabtree
Product Details
- Paperback: 168 pages
- Publisher: Crossway
- Date Published: 2011
Point: Affirmation not only glorifies God, it also builds relationships through which Christ honoring growth can take place.
Path: Crabtree explains the reason for affirmation, its biblical basis, the differences between affirmation and flattery, and how to affirm.
Sources: The author provides a helpful work based on his own mistakes, successes, observations, and studies. His foundation is the Word of God. This work is miles apart from the behavioristic writings of many contemporary Christian writers.
Agreement: I appreciated the focus of this work. Humans are naturally self centered and prideful. It goes against the flesh to affirm the work of God in the lives of others. That is exactly why the Scriptures command us to build one another up.
One could find some way to disagree with Crabtree and view a statement or idea as being self-focused, self-serving, or self-glorifying. However, the author takes an entire chapter to respond to common questions and accusations which have been leveled against his premise. Some of these seem far fetched, but he has done his best to cover his bases.
Personal App: As I was reading through his 100 suggestions I began to think of what it would be like to receive some of these affirmations. They would surely lift me up and point me toward Christ! If I would be so moved, how much more should I make an effort to do that for others.
Favorite Quote: “When our mouths are empty of praise for others, it is probably because our hearts are full of love for self” (7)
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it to any believer, both young or old, in ministry, in the secular work place, in the home.
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