​Don't Go It Alone

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Hebrews 10:24 - 25
 
Me, myself, and I. Unfortunately, we see this attitude on display all too often in our world today. That sentiment could be based around who is important to you or who you are most concerned about when making decisions. I will be the first to admit that I love to be by myself outdoors. Whether it is working on the farm, hunting, or just taking a walk, I love being outside in God’s creation by myself. That is not a bad thing. As most reading this know, it is not only good, but necessary to have time alone to clear our mind, open our hearts, and draw nearer to God in prayer and reading of His Word. However, while individual worship and meditation are an important part of each believer’s walk with Christ, it is not the only part. God did not intend for us to walk alone.  
 
There are several directions we could go here biblically on this subject. I chose this passage in Hebrews because I love the wording of stirring one another up. The NIV translation actually says "to spur" and the NASB says "to stimulate" which I think are even better illustrations of pushing each other to live a life pleasing to God through acts of love and good works. Since we are corporately worshipping in various capacities at the moment, due to the current circumstances, this can be challenging. However, if we cannot all meet in person we can still communicate with and encourage each other through conversation. Be it a message on social media, even better a phone call, and certainly interceding for one another in prayer.
 
Part of pushing each to live a life pleasing to God is holding each other accountable. Paul tells us in Galatians 6 to bear each other's burdens and restore each other gently. Rebuking each other, when necessary, is encouraging because it displays a true love and care for one another. When Jesus sent out His disciples he sent them out in pairs. This was not accidental. I am sure there are a variety of reasons why Jesus did this. From my understanding, it is not revealed in scripture exactly why they were sent out in pairs, but I think there are some pretty practical ideas of safety, encouragement, and differing spiritual gifts that we could assume, just to name a few. As believers we need the same things from each other today. I would encourage each of you to find someone within our community of believers to walk the road with. Hold one another accountable, discuss your shortcomings, and pray together to become stronger servants of Christ. 
 
 
Guest Post by Zach Massey 
 

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