Wednesday Wisdom: Spurring One Another On

Ready for “Love and Good Deeds”

Today, I would like for us to take a look at Hebrews 10:22-24. This Scripture passage has come to mean a great deal to me. Because a friend and I have agreed to consistently practice the admonishment it gives about spurring one another on, I have grown in some areas I struggled with for many years; and I believe she has also made significant and continual progress in prioritizing and accomplishing important things—the kind that fall under the category of “love and good deeds.”

The Scripture passage reads: “…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds,…” [emphases mine]

Drawing Near With Assured Hearts

Because Jesus— in the shedding of His blood unto death— made a way for us, we can draw near to God confidently. We’ve been cleansed and made pure. There is nothing to separate us from God, and so our hearts can rejoice and reach out for the Father in full assurance of faith. We are assured of our salvation, as well as of His desire to know us, walk with us, and give us a brand new life.

As this new school year begins and the leaves begin to turn, the season of life—for many of us—is also changing. There are new routines, new expectations, new responsibilities. How comforting to know that God looks at our hearts—not our performance in all of these areas, and His desire is for sincerity. He wants us to be “real” with Him. His desire is that we would draw near, and with a humble heart seek His wisdom, not our own. If our hearts remain open to the Father’s leading—then even in life’s untried seasons, we can have full assurance. For He who called us is faithful (I Thessalonians 5:24).

Amazing Hope

Because we belong to Him, we possess a hope that is greater than anything life may throw at us. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (I John 3:1a) As children of God, our hope is never misplaced. God is our Father, and our hope in Him will not be disappointed because He is faithful. This means He is affectionate, honorable, steadfast, and trustworthy toward us. So we need not swerve to the left or the right. He is our dependable Rock, in whom we can always take refuge. No matter what crises you or your children may have, don’t take for granted the amazing hope of being able to cast all your cares on Him—for He cares for you (I Peter 5:7).

Let us Consider

Because we hold the hope of the promises of God, we have everything we need to encourage one another—especially those who need a little “push” to keep going—“towards love and good deeds.” When you spur a horse on, it’s not to be cruel or to cause injury—it’s because there’s a destination (at times, to get away from danger) or a race to be run. And chances are, someone else is counting on the runner.

God tells us in His Word to consider how to “spur”—to be one who motivates or provides an impetus that keeps others moving forward. Who is counting on you today—to be a voice of wisdom, to share a life-giving word at just the right moment, to help them put things in the proper perspective? We all have people we need to spur on—and there are those who in turn spur us on. It is vitally important to be connected to the Father’s heart so that we can “be there” for one another, in any season—but especially in those that are rough.

Love Perpetuated, Good Deeds Activated

And where is this spurring to take us? Towards love and good deeds. If we are headed in the direction of love, others will be lifted up—able to take the love they’ve received and do the same for someone else. Good deeds are an inevitable result when we are walking in love.

“Good deeds” doesn’t have to mean serving the homeless (though it can); it doesn’t have to mean teaching Sunday School (though it can). Good deeds are those things we do that honor God. It might be simply making a good use of the time He’s given you in your day; reading with your son or daughter; praying for a friend who lives far away; talking to your neighbor.

On!

We each have our own race, filled with good works that God prepared in advance for us to do. But others are in the race with us. Let’s not leave our teammates behind. Let’s spur one another on. On to being healthy, on to applying the Word of God in everyday life, on to mending relationships, on to greater intimacy in marriage, on to clearing essential hurdles in parenting, on to using their gifts, on to fulfilling their dreams. On!