"See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:12-13
These verses came up as part of my YouVersion bible reading plan a few weeks ago and caught my attention... and then my highlighter. We would probably agree that encouraging others is a great thing to do. It's good to notice the strengths and efforts of others and tell them that they are doing a great job. It's important to notice when someone is having a difficult time and offer support and understanding to them.
But this passage in Hebrews tells us that encouragement should be a daily exercise and it will help to keep our hearts from being hard toward sin. I don't think we consider this too often. I certainly didn't... and encouragement is supposed to be one of my spiritual gifts!
Think about a piece of pottery. When it has hardened it can't be shaped or changed. When water is being added, the potter can make it into anything. It is ready to be transformed.
Encouraging others in their faith - reminding them to keep pursuing Christ, being excited for the growth you see in their life and telling them about it - does more than just make their day. It keeps them on the path toward Christ. It keeps throwing water on the clay of their hearts and helps to facilitate the work the Potter wants to do.
So, ask yourself: Is today, Today? Yes? Then consider who you can encourage. Be that water on the clay.
Pastor Tracy
This Sunday
Speaking The Truth
"Jesus Can Always Be Trusted (I Don’t Trust God, He Disappointed Me)”
Join us on Sunday at 10am as our Pastor Erin continues in our series.