Applause

A man and his wife sat charmed at a violin recital. They were dazzled by the ability of young Japanese musicians who were able to play the violin so well at a very young age. The instructor commented that as early as age 2, these young people were taught first the proper stance and second how to take a bow. They were taught these things before they even learned how to play. There is something very significant here that needs application. We must see the importance of these two principles in Christian living.
First, we need to know where to stand and how to stand. Paul told the Christians in Corinth that they stood in the gospel of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-2). If we do not stand properly in the truth of the gospel, then our lives will not be sweet music to the Author of our salvation.
Secondly, we must see the necessity of encouragement. These young children were taught to bow, so the audience would remember to applaud. Although Jesus taught that we are to seek only the Lord's approval (Matt. 6:1-8), at the same time each of us need encouragement from brethren who watch our progress and support us when we lack the faith or courage to stand alone. People respond to positive reinforcement. It is not because their ego demands such, but because we have been made to be a kind of people who depend on one another. Then, by depending on one another we can properly learn how to depend upon God.

"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving"

(Colossians 2:6-7).