Trying not to be Hardened
Hebrews 3:12 – 14
(12) See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. (13) But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (14)We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
This past Sunday, we had a sermon on the verse above and were challenged to take up the task of “encouraging” one another daily. While this is very much what I think that we need, I am often at a loss in what encouragement even means. In relationships that are established and healthy, encouragement seems to fit and really serve an end, but if there is no real relationship undergirding the encouragement, it seems almost trite to me. With the verse in mind above, I am asking God that I am not being hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
How has encouragement worked for any of you? I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ, but I want to do so authentically rather than just a “hey I think you are swell” kind of fashion. Is the person you are encouraging a big factor in how you pursue them? Should you pursue friendship first before really trying to provide generic affirmations?
God has a high calling for His church and it is clear that the enemy would like nothing more than for us to remain disconnected and hardened. I am praying through it and appreciative of any hints from your experiences?
Encourage
–verb (used with object),-aged, -ag·ing.
1.to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.
2.to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.
3.to promote, advance, or foster: Poverty often encourages crime.
I don’t really see it as a follow up to friendship necessarily (although it is a must once the relationship is established). I see it in the absence of relationship as a means to relationship, especially if someone goes to church with you. You can call someone up and be like hey man (woman or child) after the sermon Sunday God has laid it on my heart that I should encourage you. Since I don’t really know you all that well and I don’t just want to be some random guy yelling “that a boy” from the side line, how can I encourage you and in what areas of your like do you need encouragement right now.
Just in case you didn’t notice those are hardly yes or no questions. And if they say I don’t know and try to brush you off easily. Just say “Thats ok I know its a loaded question. I’ll call back (drop by or whatever) tomorrow and we can talk about it some more.” Then follow up. This lets them know you are committed to this and they aren’t just wasting their time with a one time thing.
Kinda felt like a soap box a little on my end sorry. It’s just my take but I hope it’s helpful.