What You Appreciate, Appreciates

His lord said unto him, well done,
good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful
over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Matthew 25:23

Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Matthew 25:28-29

This month we are looking at all the things that make up “gratitude.” Gratitude is more than being thankful, and it’s more than knowing you have more than what you “deserve.” Gratitude flows from a person’s heart when they see the good in God’s character, the good in themselves, and the good in others. Gratitude is based in God’s grace.
The key to having gratitude is that we look for what is right, and appreciate it. That’s why the Word of God says in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
The word “appreciate” has two meanings:

1. To be thankful or show gratitude
   
2. To raise or increase in value
   

I want you to think of everything you criticize regularly. I mean everything! Is it your car, your home, your quirky personality, your own body? Is it your coworkers, your children, your spouse, your boss, your in-laws? Think of the things you criticize regularly, and you will see where you have failed to appreciate or find value.
The moment you participate in the “depreciation” process, you stop valuing. That is the moment you block your ability to experience gratefulness and ultimately abundance.
What you don’t recognize will eventually exit your life. Whatever you recognize as valuable and celebrate will also appreciate. Anything unrecognized remains uncelebrated; whether it’s a gift, a miracle, or a person.
The currency of the kingdom is in relationships. Too often God sends people into our lives who are interested in us, want to bless us, and care about us with the love of God, but they go unrecognized and unappreciated. When we lose those people, we lose opportunities, valuable allies, and sources of blessing and support. But whatever you recognize as valuable and celebrate will appreciate and thrive in your life!
Sometimes, God will send us a “Jonathan.” A “Jonathan” is a long-term relationship designed ultimately to bring us into our destiny. A clear sign of a Jonathan is that God supernaturally places a desire in that person’s heart to bless you. They have so much joy in blessing you, they ask for nothing in return. They just want to bless you!
Familiarity towards these God-given vessels of blessing can be fatal. It’s where you begin to take things for granted. It’s when you go through life unaware of the multitudes of blessings and gifts that are here each and every moment.
Gratitude flows from a person’s heart when they see the good in God’s character, the good in themselves, and the good in others. The key to having gratitude is that we look for what is right, and appreciate it. Abundance is birthed when we appreciate the people, gifts and miracles placed in our lives. Magnify the blessings of God – so that He may trust you with more!