Life-giving Presence
Devotional
READ: Hebrews 10:24-25
Have you ever noticed that the more time you spend doing something with a group, the more you feel encouraged to keep doing it? I’ve had a gym membership for a couple of years now, but I never really used it. But this year, I decided to focus on my physical health, and to make sure I stuck with it, I asked a few people in my life to help keep me accountable. I also joined a group fitness class on Saturday mornings where I made “gym friends,” something I never had before. These friends encourage me while we’re in the class and when I go to the gym on my own. We created a group text to share victories and encourage each other throughout the week. I never had a group like this before, which has made an enormous difference in my ability to stay consistent and improve my physical health.
The author of Hebrews talks about this when he says, “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). This is an explicit instruction for us to encourage others, not just a suggestion. The author of Hebrews does not ask us to consider whether we should encourage each other but how we should encourage each other. While encouragement is a spiritual gift, we don’t get a free pass at this by claiming it’s not our spiritual gift or that it’s just not something we’re good at. In the same way that worship is not reserved for only those with advanced musical talent, encouraging others toward growth or more significant activity is not optional.
But there’s more. The author of Hebrews tells us more about how we should act: “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25). Encouragement is not something that can be done in a vacuum. It requires interaction with other people, which believers do when we gather on a Sunday morning. Much like my gym example above, attending church regularly and actively serving will encourage you to grow closer to God. But if you have fallen out of the habit of regular attendance, you may also find yourself drifting from God.
Have you ever noticed that the more time you spend doing something with a group, the more you feel encouraged to keep doing it? I’ve had a gym membership for a couple of years now, but I never really used it. But this year, I decided to focus on my physical health, and to make sure I stuck with it, I asked a few people in my life to help keep me accountable. I also joined a group fitness class on Saturday mornings where I made “gym friends,” something I never had before. These friends encourage me while we’re in the class and when I go to the gym on my own. We created a group text to share victories and encourage each other throughout the week. I never had a group like this before, which has made an enormous difference in my ability to stay consistent and improve my physical health.
The author of Hebrews talks about this when he says, “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). This is an explicit instruction for us to encourage others, not just a suggestion. The author of Hebrews does not ask us to consider whether we should encourage each other but how we should encourage each other. While encouragement is a spiritual gift, we don’t get a free pass at this by claiming it’s not our spiritual gift or that it’s just not something we’re good at. In the same way that worship is not reserved for only those with advanced musical talent, encouraging others toward growth or more significant activity is not optional.
But there’s more. The author of Hebrews tells us more about how we should act: “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25). Encouragement is not something that can be done in a vacuum. It requires interaction with other people, which believers do when we gather on a Sunday morning. Much like my gym example above, attending church regularly and actively serving will encourage you to grow closer to God. But if you have fallen out of the habit of regular attendance, you may also find yourself drifting from God.
Personal Reflection
Today, you have an excellent opportunity to reflect on the areas where you are most present. Think about areas in which you would like to grow. Are you spending time with others who have a similar goal? Do people and the environment encourage you to grow? Also, consider areas where you would like to improve. Does your environment and the people around you encourage you to improve, or do they hold you back and impede your progress?
Additionally, take time to reflect on where you are now or can be an encouragement to others. For many of us, the areas where we spend most of our time are at work and at home. Who are the people you encounter most, and what is your attitude towards them? Is it an attitude of encouragement towards growth or an attitude of negativity? How can you focus your thoughts on stimulating those around you towards love and good deeds?
Additionally, take time to reflect on where you are now or can be an encouragement to others. For many of us, the areas where we spend most of our time are at work and at home. Who are the people you encounter most, and what is your attitude towards them? Is it an attitude of encouragement towards growth or an attitude of negativity? How can you focus your thoughts on stimulating those around you towards love and good deeds?
Posted in UR Devotionals
1 Comment
The gym membership illustration reminded me of my wife Heather. She has not only been committed to improving her health but she has also had the opportunity to share Christ with others there, pray for them, and invite them to bible studiy.god is using her in a special way at the gym to share Christ with others in a powerful way.