Spurring On...
When I read passages in the Bible, certain words jump out off the page right onto my heart….it’s almost as if I feel compelled to stop and take time to think about those words or even just the one word.
The passage above is a great one….I love everything about it….but there are 2 words that “jump” out to me….”consider” and “spur on.”
Consider…..this seems like a foreign word in our society….we are so busy just trying to get everything we need to get done within the small amount of time we have.
Rushing to get the kids up and dressed and to school in time….rushing to work….rushing to meetings….rushing, rushing, rushing….seems like a bad habit we cannot get away from. I think that is why this word, “consider” jumped out to me.
When I think about this word, I think about slowing down, sitting down, having time to just think….ahhh how refreshing does that sound after a busy day?
Spur on….this word gets me fired up! I love being motivated, encouraged, challenged by others. I love having someone to keep me accountable so that I will get the things accomplished that God lays on my heart.
So back to this passage…and back to words….the writer of Hebrews instructs us to draw near to God, have a sincere heart, be confident in our faith, be completely surrendered, and to spur others on to love and good deeds.
For the next few moments, I want you to consider these things mentioned. From my past experience, the only way you can spur others on towards love and good deeds is to set the example…you must prepare the way by showing the way.
You have to show love and good deeds so others can be spurred on to pass it back to you and others. And the only way you can show it is to daily draw near to God, seek him for love, hope, peace, forgiveness, wisdom, strength and every good thing he has for you.
You must have a sincere heart, have confidence, be totally surrendered before you can spur others on.
Today, I want to spur you on to live intentionally….although, I should give this warning that it involves thinking, reflecting, planning, praying and then acting out with purpose.
I want you to first draw near to God and talk to him and then consider today,
“How can I spur on my family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers towards love, good deeds, faith and Jesus? What do my actions, reactions says to them? What messages do I want to send to them and what messages am I sending to them?
“What things do I want to spur on my kids to today? How can I set the example first and teach them about these things?”
Anticipate moments you might have with them today and make the most of that crucial time even if it is just 5 minutes….remember, small moments can speak the loudest and have the greatest impact.
God loves you…He is proud of you…..He wants to be your confidant….consider these things above…live intentionally….be spurred on…God is love and he has placed that love in you…now go share it with the world!
