Spur One Another On

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

This verse serves as a great reminder why we need to have those people in our lives that are Christians, spurring us onward in this Christian walk. It’s so easy to withdraw and become a Christian recluse - not attending church or a Bible study or anything that would give us consistent contact with people who know us and know how to encourage and challenge us. But that is dangerous ground. Verse 25 in this passage tells us to "not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching." So, it is obvious that to spur one another on we must be in the "habit" of meeting together with other Christians.

But, is just being around other Christians enough? I don’t think it is. We must allow them to be in our lives, as we are in theirs, so that we can grow together and support each other. We must open up and let them know what is going on, good and bad. We must let them see us for who we are, and be vulnerable. And we must let them challenge us when we are wrong, and encourage and help us when we are down. We must let them in, as they let us in. We need to be there for them, as they are there for us. Sometimes we may have to be a little inconvenienced or go out of our way to help them, but it is so worth it as these relationships grow and we begin to see how God uses them in our lives and theirs. God did not intend that we would be solitary creatures. He designed us for fellowship, with Him above all, but also with those around us, as well.

Do you know someone who needs some encouragement or help right now? Perhaps you know someone who needs to be challenged to go further or deeper. Is there someone who consistently provides support and encouragement in your life, that you could now return the favor in some way? Most importantly, are there Christians in your life on a consistent, relationship-growing basis, that can challenge and support you, as you challenge and support them? If not, that is where you need to start. Join a small group or Bible Study - find some way to surround yourself with people who can spur you on toward love and good deeds, and whom you can then return the favor. Then, when you have those people in your life, try to be constantly aware of their needs, and any way you can be there for them. Let’s see what God has in store for us through the people He surrounds us with.