How Are We Encouraging Others To Mature In The Faith?
Good Morning Friends,
Somedays I think that if I did not say a word I might avoid saying something I would regret but then I weigh that against not reassuring people on the journey with a witness of my trust in God and my mouth opens…the words flow. My life is just another example that all creatures need much grace but also an example of someone blessed to sometimes join Jesus in the preparation for what is to come. Thankfully God provides if we lean into Jesus. So, today’s question requires us to risk just a bit more than is comfortable. It asks us to look at the tipping point and to think strategically about what should be keeping us up at night with concern for the people we influence. It is about facing the priorities in our lives. How Are We Encouraging Others To Mature In The Faith?
Scripture: “My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead; and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you.’
Acts 13:26-33 (NRSV)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:1-6 (NRSV)
A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water. The people curse those who hold back grain, but a blessing is on the head of those who sell it.
Proverbs 11:25-26 (NRSV)
Message: William Arthur Ward once said, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. But encourage me, and I will not forget you.” I think he got that right. We need to be in the encouragement and remembrance business as Christians. In fact, they both are essential for our faith. Throughout the Bible we see instructions to encourage one another and verses that are meant to encourage us. And we see instructions for remembering Jesus. But nothing is more powerful boost to our confidence than both offered face to face. That is where we have a one up on the virtual world. God wants us to encourage each other because it helps to create a spiritual family and gives both the recipient and benefactor spiritual strength that is to be remembered and shared. If we do not encourage others, discouragement is likely to result. So, if we are to help others grow we need to be optimistic and positive. The goal of discipline for a maturing Christian is difficult. It must have a focus on the soul and to do everything in love, but also address the gap in behavior that keeps a person from bearing fruit. The answer needs to come from within. The hope is that if we are active and strategic encouragers in the first place perhaps we might avoid discipline all together and still mature. But it is not a perfect world. The reality is that children, even children of God are not expected to be as good an encourager as someone more mature in the faith. When spiritual children hopefully grow to maturity, they can encourage others including each or us as well. Our future depends on this sustainable reality. So, we are make affirmation, spend quality time, give and receive gifts, offer acts of service, and be a physical presence in the life of others. And somehow it is enough when combined with the love of God. Friends, encouragement brings meaning to life and lifts our burdens. Encouragement manages the pains of life. Encouragement helps us to feel the love of God and others. How we do it varies from person to person. But the beauty is that the more we do it the better we get at it. So strategically encourage another person today to remember they are loved by God. Their endorphins are depending on it. Perhaps even their life as well.
Pray we realize that encouragement that lasts must connect with the Good News of the Gospel. Pray therefor our encouragement leads people to God. Pray we remember God’s work in our past. Pray this helps us to get perspective to do God’s will in the present. Pray we care enough about others to tell them about Jesus. Pray we help others realize that Jesus is greater than any trouble we face. Pray our encouragement is sincere. Pray our encouragement is truthful. Pray our encouragement is strategic. Pray we celebrate our relationships and shared victories with a Spirit of praise that honors God for making it all possible. Pray we realize the power of presence and the power in specific praise has a foundation in Christ.
Blessings,
John Lawson
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