Last week I made about 20 calls to quizzers, former quizzers, college students, and other people over which I have had some measure of influence in the past few years. These calls weren't to harangue them about schedules or chastise them about their work ethic. In fact, several of them are quizzers from other teams.
Encouragement is one of the most important tasks of the Christian. In Hebrews the writer tells us:
See to it, brothers, 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).
You see, the writer is collectively telling his readers to encourage each other, and reminds them that they bear responsibility for the souls of their fellow believers. In our culture of rugged individualism, this type of thinking is difficult to accept. How can I be held responsible for my neighbor's salvation?
We are responsible for each other. Encouragement is essential to avoid a hardened heart. At James River, our small groups operate under the theme "Do Life Together." The Christian life is not meant to be a solitary one. Followers of Christ are required to build each other up, bear each other's burdens, and bring healing to each other's hurting lives. If your brother or sister is missing the spiritual mark, you are charged with offering assistance.
I've carefully cultivated a reputation as a tough Bible Quiz coach. My quizzers know better than to offer lame excuses for not meeting my very high expectations, and my instructions in game situations are inviolate. For all of that, my quizzers also know that their spiritual health and growth is my top priority. I like to see my quizzers win games; I love to see young people achieve great things for the kingdom of God.
Have you encouraged someone this week?
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