Why Heaven Cheers When You Do?
A version of the “ tall poppy” is extreme in Australia and New Zealand, where the idea of a “tall poppy syndrome” was invented in the 1980s. A tendency to drag down those who set themselves above others, the syndrome supposedly reflects values of equality, humility, and the storied “fair go.” However, this is not the case, and it is often rooted in insecurities, jealousy, envy, and bitterness.
In a culture where success often triggers suspicion and “tall poppies” get cut down, celebration has become a lost art. Yet in the Kingdom of God, celebration is sacred. The salt the saline preserves unity, flavours relationships, and brings healing where envy once lived.
What Is the “Saline” of Celebration?
Saline is simply a salt solution used to cleanse, purify, and preserve. In the same way, celebrating others acts like a spiritual “saline” in the Body of Christ. It preserves unity, purifies our motives, and brings refreshing encouragement to those walking in their purpose.
Celebration is not just kindness—it’s Kingdom.
1. Celebration is a Kingdom Culture
The Bible is filled with examples of celebration—God Himself instituted festivals and feasts for His people to remember, honour, and rejoice over what He had done.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) – “The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Luke 15:7 (NLT) – “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”
If heaven celebrates, why shouldn’t we?
The enemy loves to plant seeds of comparison, jealousy, and insecurity, especially when someone else is stepping into their breakthrough or destiny. But heaven doesn’t get intimidated by someone else’s victory—heaven throws a party.
2. Celebration Heals the Tall Poppy Syndrome
Australian culture’s “Tall Poppy Syndrome” discourages people from standing out or becoming “too successful.” I know several entrepreneurs and millionaires who have recently left Australia because of this, amongst other things like its Woke political leadership and Tax rip-offs. You also see in scripture how jealousy and envy entered King Saul when David began to rise. The reality is that there are leaders just like Saul who don’t want anyone to outshine them because their identities are in the pulpit, not their Sonship, Kingship or Priesthood in Christ. But this is contrary to God’s heart. Scripture encourages us to:
• Rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15)
• Encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Honour one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10)
When you celebrate someone’s win, you silence the voice of envy and release a healing balm over your soul. It breaks the lie that there’s not enough blessing to go around.
3. Celebration Unlocks Multiplication
When you celebrate others, you sow a seed of honour. And what you sow, you reap. If you honour the grace on someone’s life, it positions you to receive from it.
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) – “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Do you want to live a refreshed life? Celebrate generously. Your ability to applaud others doesn’t reduce your light it amplifies it!
4. Celebration Aligns Us with God’s Purpose
We were never meant to run alone. God designed His body to work together—every joint supplying strength to the others (Ephesians 4:16). When one person advances, we all win. When one celebrates, it strengthens the whole.
We are not competitors—we are co-labourers in purpose. The purpose fulfilled in one is a prophetic declaration that it’s possible for all.
“We are not meant to compete with one another but complete one another”
– Shaun Smit
So, what’s the Saline of Your Celebration? It’s not just about being nice—it’s about being kingdom-minded! It’s recognising that someone else’s victory doesn’t threaten yours. Celebrating others accelerates your journey by positioning your heart in humility, purity, faith, honour, and joy.
When you celebrate, you:
- Preserve unity
- Cleanse the heart of envy
- Heal insecurity
- Amplify faith
- And reflect the very nature of God
Let This Be Your Prayer:
“Lord, teach me to celebrate others as You do. Let my words be seasoned with grace, my heart free of comparison, and my hands ready to build what You’re doing in others. May my celebration carry the salt of heaven—preserving love, honour, and unity wherever I go.”
Final Thought:
In a world cutting down “tall poppies”, let’s be the ones who plant gardens—who water potential, honour growth, and celebrate every bloom.
Because in God’s kingdom, when one rises, we all rise, the Kingdom advances, and the gates of hell are weakened.