Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6
When we think about stepping into the unknown, we often picture risk, vision, and courage. We imagine strategic pivots, new initiatives, or bold leadership decisions. But sometimes, the most countercultural step of faith in the workplace is simpler—and far more relational.
It’s choosing to genuinely appreciate others.
Trusting God with all our heart reshapes not only how we make decisions, but how we see people. In environments driven by performance metrics, deadlines, and competition, appreciation can feel secondary. Yet Scripture reminds us that trusting God affects “all your ways.” That includes how we speak, how we lead, and how we value those around us.
Appreciation Requires Trust
It may not seem risky to say “thank you,” but authentic appreciation requires humility. It means acknowledging that your success is not yours alone. It means recognizing that God works through others to accomplish His purposes.
Leaning on our own understanding often leads us to self-sufficiency. We subtly believe that our intelligence, experience, or effort is the primary driver of outcomes. But trusting the Lord with all your heart creates a different posture. It opens your eyes to the contributions of others.
When you trust God, you are freed from protecting your status. You can celebrate someone else’s idea without fear. You can elevate a team member’s contribution without diminishing your own leadership. Appreciation becomes an act of faith because it declares, “God is my source, not my spotlight.”
Submission Changes How We See People
“In all your ways submit to Him.” Submission includes how we treat those who report to us, work beside us, or even compete with us.
Jesus consistently noticed people. He acknowledged faith others overlooked. He affirmed effort others dismissed. If we submit our work to Him, we will reflect that attentiveness.
In professional settings, people often feel invisible. They are known for output, not for character. For productivity, not perseverance. Appreciation cuts through that. It communicates, “I see you. Your work matters. You matter.”
That kind of leadership doesn’t happen accidentally. It happens when we consciously align our behavior with God’s heart.
Straight Paths Are Built Through Strong Relationships
The promise of Proverbs 3:6 is that God will make our paths straight. In business, straight paths often come through healthy relationships. Miscommunication, resentment, and unspoken frustration create unnecessary detours. Appreciation fosters trust, and trust accelerates collaboration.
When you consistently affirm others:
- Teams communicate more openly.
- Creativity increases because people feel safe to contribute.
- Loyalty strengthens because people feel valued, not used.
This is not manipulation. It’s stewardship. God has entrusted you with influence, and appreciation is one of the most powerful ways to use it redemptively.
Faith in Action Is Specific
General encouragement is kind. Specific appreciation is transformational.
Instead of “Great job,” try, “I appreciate the thoroughness you brought to that presentation. Your preparation made it clear and compelling.” Instead of “Thanks for your help,” try, “Your steady follow-through kept this project on track when we were under pressure.”
Specific appreciation requires attention. And attention requires intention.
In a culture of speed, slowing down to notice excellence is an act of leadership maturity. It demonstrates that you are not merely driving outcomes—you are developing people.
Appreciation in Uncertain Seasons
Stepping into the unknown often creates stress. When organizations navigate change, anxiety rises. During these seasons, appreciation becomes even more significant.
People need reassurance that their effort is seen and that their role still matters. Trusting God with all your heart in uncertain times means refusing to let pressure make you transactional. Instead, you become more relational.
You might not control market shifts or external variables, but you can control how you speak to those around you. Appreciation stabilizes teams. It reminds people that they are more than numbers on a spreadsheet.
A Different Kind of Competitive Advantage
Many leaders search for innovation strategies or productivity systems. Those tools have value. But a culture of genuine appreciation is rare—and powerful.
When employees and colleagues feel consistently valued:
- Engagement rises.
- Turnover decreases.
- Initiative increases.
More importantly, your workplace begins to reflect something deeper than efficiency. It reflects Christ.
This is where faith becomes visible. Not in grand speeches, but in daily interactions. Not in slogans, but in sincere acknowledgment of someone’s contribution.
An Invitation to Act
If you want to step into the unknown with confidence, start by strengthening the people who walk the path with you.
Ask yourself:
- Who on my team feels unseen right now?
- When was the last time I expressed specific appreciation?
- Where have I taken someone’s consistency for granted?
Then act. Send the message. Make the call. Offer the affirmation in the meeting. Do it publicly when appropriate. Do it privately when meaningful.
Trusting God with all your heart frees you from striving for personal recognition. It allows you to become someone who gives recognition generously.
And when you submit your leadership to Him, He shapes not only your path—but the culture you create along the way.
Stepping into the unknown is rarely a solo journey. Appreciate those who walk it with you. In doing so, you demonstrate a faith that is not only believed—but practiced.
Appreciation is more than good leadership practice—it’s a reflection of the One we follow. When we intentionally celebrate and value others, we demonstrate that our confidence is rooted in Christ, not competition. If you want to belong to a community of professionals who are committed to celebrating, serving, and appreciating one another as an expression of faith at work, I invite you to join us at followerofone.org. You don’t have to walk this path alone.
