Bible Verse: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Scripture Reading: 1Thessalonians 5:11; James 5:20; Hebrews 3:13
Years ago, a leadership team I participated in did a “ropes course” in upstate New York. It was a series of obstacle courses and challenges set out in the woods designed to teach us teamwork and problem-solving skills.
For one exercise, we had to walk across a tight-rope set 3 stories above the forest floor, stretching between two enormous trees. Now, as we were not acrobats, we had a second rope stretched across at chest level to hold on to, and we were firmly strapped into a safety harness. The risk was minimal, but the task was difficult – once you’re up there, with your feet balanced on a rope and the ground far below you, fear undeniably kicks in.
On my turn, I got about halfway across when my feet slipped off the rope. I was hanging there holding on to the chest-rope, my legs kicking, while the instructor called up for me to let go, and he would slowly lower me to the ground from my harness.
But my teammates started yelling: “You can do this, Chris!” “Get on up there!” “Come on, pull yourself up!”
And you know what? I did. I’m no athlete, but I felt a surge of energy come, pulled myself up, and completed the course.
There is undeniable power in encouragement and accountability. If you want to start a new exercise routine, the number one factor that will contribute to your success is having a workout buddy. Having that person to both spur you on, as well as keep you on track, is indispensable when it comes to physical growth.
So it is with the spiritual. Every Christian man needs some brothers around him who can encourage him in the journey, pick him up when he stumbles, build him up when he needs it, and call him back when he’s off track.
To kickstart your spiritual life, find a brother or two that you can intentionally walk with. You can meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly, but find a time to specifically get together for coffee, or exercise, or even watching a hockey game, where you can check in on one another, encourage one another, keep one another accountable, and pray for one another. God will do amazing things through the brotherhood.
Prayer: Father, bring me some brothers who can encourage me and keep me accountable, and please take my spiritual life deeper as I do.
Reflection: Look around you – where is there a brother you can encourage today?
Copyright © 2023 Impactus. All rights reserved.
About
