DaySpring Daily Word of Inspiration: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
If all roads lead to Jesus in living this Christian life, how do you plan to get there? What is your plan of attack? We all know that we need to read our bibles and speak the knowledge of truth into other’s lives. We recognize that we are to be living examples of Christ-likeness in our daily walk and we need to apply biblical truths to our personal lives when no one is watching.
All of this is true and is a great mindset to have when trying to solidify your foundation in Christ. However, it won’t be enough. Now that isn’t to say that you couldn’t get away with it. I know there are some unusually focused people in the world and they can lock in on something and make it their priority. The fact of the matter is that most of us can’t. So what else do we need?
God has always used people to carry out his plans and affect the lives of others. People (especially in the body of Christ) are the tool that helps us become who God wants us to be and keeps us accountable to stay on that righteous path. It is a hard enough job trying to convince yourself of the things that you need to do as a Christian but imagine how much more difficult it would be if you didn’t have someone in your corner spurring you on to continue to rely on God and trust in his word? There is a power that can only be explained as the work of God when we sit back and examine how he works through people.
With people in our lives encouraging us we are empowered to take on the challenges of the day with confidence because we’re reminded that God is with us! As we’re built up by other believers we are assured that we’ve all fallen but by the grace of God we can get back up, repent and move forward because imperfect beings make mistakes; but God still loves you so get back to work!
And yes, there are those who would tear you down when you’ve already beaten yourself up over a situation, but you have to remember, maybe that isn’t a child of God so you can’t expect them to be able to treat you like one. We have to be able to rely on the body of believers, our spiritual families, our church members and friends to help us in our times of need, encouragement and perseverance.
People are the answer. Not just any people though, because not all people are going to provide you with godly advice, strength or focus. You have to continue to spur one another on with the love and concern of Jesus Christ. By this you will help your fellow believer stay focused on God, stay committed to God and see His prevailing power as He guides them through all of their situations.
Today we pray that you don’t withhold your blessing of encouragement or lifting someone up. We always say that you never know what someone is going through. Well guess what, you’re right! As a Christian, one of your duties is to be this type of person to everyone! Since you don’t know what someone is going through, how about you be the light of Jesus today that shows them the one who can get them through whatever’s going on in their life. Be God’s blessing to someone every day. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!