Be Encouraged

Encouragement plays such a big part in the walk of one trying to follow Christ.  In fact, it’s absolutely essential.  Throughout the Bible, we ourselves are not only encouraged by God’s word, but charged to encourage one another as well (Tit 2:15; Isa 1:17; Eph 6:22; Col 4:8).  The writer (who we believe to be Paul) of Hebrews was divinely inspired by God to pen these words, ‘…(E)ncourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness’ (3:13).  Here, Today is contrasted with the Day (of ultimate judgment), so we’re presented with many opportunities to admonish (which involves warning and urging, in addition to encouraging) one another in everyday that proceeds our day of judgment.  For those who trust in the Lord, the forthcoming Day is not a looming threat, but an encouragement to, not only find joy in working for the Lord, but to admonish others to share in that joy as well.  For the Christian, there is no suffered loss, whether it’s Today or the Day (Php 1:20-26).  To live is Christ and to die is gain (Php 1:21).  How’s that for encouragement?  If you’re on God’s side you win, no matter what!

There is no real encouragement outside of God’s word (2 Ti 4:2).  Any other words spoken are just flowery and deceptive, with no basis, or promise.  Be careful not to accept negative ‘encouragement’, which we’re all susceptible to (Ps 64:5).  That is why we’re encouraged to regularly meet with those who are strengthening themselves in God’s word (Heb 10:25).  Iron sharpens iron, indeed (Pr 27:17)! 

It’s not only for the prophet, the gifted, or the seemingly strong to encourage (Ac 15:32; Ro 12:8; 15:1).  We can all be an encouragement, at least in prayer.  Remember, Job in his affliction had the heart to pray for his friends (who were supposed to be an encouragement to him), and as a result of his act of faith, he was then prospered (Job 42:10)!  It’s not only for the benefit of others that we should encourage.

God is our source for all things.  Through Jesus Christ himself and God our Father we have eternal encouragement (2 Th 2:16-17).  And if -and when- we become weak, God has a ready ear to listen to our desires and our cries (Ps 10:17).  With that thought in mind, I want to encourage you to go to Him who’s not only ready to hear you, but has all the power in heaven and earth to positively affect your circumstance.              

Warning for the Mocker

When convicting –which is sometimes necessary in this spiritual war- I want to focus on the sin and not the sinner, so I don’t believe it’s imperative to point out the offender that inspired this post.  But I do feel it necessary to touch on the Accuser’s tactic of belittling the Christian faith, which is -more often than not- met with casual disregard, if not amusement. 

Although we are free moral agents, God’s will for us is to honor him with everything, to include our mouths.  We are to ‘set an example for believers, in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity’ (1 Timothy 4:12).  There is no such thing as a harmless word, because ‘the tongue has the power of life and death’ (Proverbs 18:21).

There’s bitter fruit to reap for the mocker, scornful, proud, and haughty (Pr. 9:12; 16:18; 30:17; Ps. 31:23; 138:6; Isa. 2:12).  (And they are contrasted by the righteous, blameless, upright, and faithful.)  ‘Do not be deceived:  God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows’ (Galatians 6:7).  And this is not only God by name, but includes all of his ways and characteristics, which are written in his word.  They are shown as the perfect example by his son Jesus, and are displayed by those who desire to live according to his word. 

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).