As I resume blogging my "short thoughts" through the Book of Hebrews, today's passage will be in Hebrews 10:24-25, where the author writes, "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."
In his third "let us" statement, we find the Hebrew author inspired to give valuable instructions regarding life in the body of Christ. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for members of the body of Christ to be unkind or indifferent to one another. To often believers are found to be critical of one another and have a tendency to be the "holy spirit" in each others lives. So it seems right for us to ask; how much time and energy do we spend to "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good works" or in "encouraging one another"? We can be thankful that some congregations have many members who are actively involved in doing so while others need our prayers.
For the body of Christ to function as God has intended, its members must endeavor to see and practice the truths spoken of in these two verses. We must be concerned about stimulating one another to love and good works and we must be those who encourage one another. We will not be able to accomplish these ministries in the energy of the flesh and will only walk in them as we walk in the Spirit.
It was true at the time of the writing and it is certainly true today. It is the habit of some to forsake the assembling together with other believers in the body of Christ. But if you noticed the context of where this famous admonition is, you see that it is not about going to church for church sake, but going to church for the sake of those who compose the Church. For His Church and those who are its members. I know there will be exceptions, but I believe this passage speaks to the truth that it will be difficult to stimulate one another to love and good deeds and to encourage one another if we are forsaking our assembling together.
If it is not your habit, don't allow it to become yours. If it is your habit, seek His help to break it. Determine to assemble together with brothers and sisters in Christ. Make that your habit. And take the time to consider how you might stimulate a brother or sister in Christ to love and good deeds. Consider how you might encourage a brother or sister in Christ today and another tomorrow. Let each of us be quick to encourage one another.
In this life there is really no end in sight to this admonition to assemble together, to stimulate one another to love and good works and to encourage one another. May we never think that our need to be a giver or receiver of these ministries in the body will lessen as we grow in Christ. On the contrary, as we "see the day drawing near", we are to assemble together, stimulate one another to love and good deeds and encourage one another, "all the more". Surely we can "see the day drawing near". As you consider the importance of these matters in your life and in the lives of those who you fellowship with, remember these three words; "all the more".
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