WATCHWORD:
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25
Meditation:
Being There
(Inspired by a Daily Verse meditation)
When our kids young and actively involved in Little League, or on soccer teams, or played in the band, during the course of each season there was competition with other schools and our team, of our group was competing for first, second or place or even third place, where failure to finish in the top three earned you a little piece of paper that said you participated. It seemed that last ‘award’ was never accepted gracefully. That was not what you were seeking to achieve.
The Christian life is not one of competing for a trophy, rather it is one of involvement, of loving others. It is Christ honoring interaction with other people that allows us to be rooted in the light of God‘s Word. It is participating in the walk of Christ.
Read again the Hebrews passage. In these simple words we are encouraged to take positive action. We are not to be an observer to the Christian life, we are indeed a participant. We are a voice, a face a presence that encourages and stimulates others to be there, to love others and to encourage good works and compassionate attitudes.
If, as children of God, our role is to love others and encourage them to do the same, then we have to display that loving spirit, we have to be present, demonstrating that love is more than just a verbal expression, we are to love by Word, by deed, and by being there. It is this love that will inspire compassion for those who are going through difficult times, will encourage patience towards those that we may have a difficult time with, and to tap into a sense of generosity for those who are in need.
Streaming of our worship services is an advantage for those who are homebound, unable to join us in assembly, but it is much too easy to absent ourselves, and so denying the blessing of our presence in the assembly, which encourages others in their service of Christ’s love.
Closing Prayer:
Precious Heavenly Father, help us understand more clearly how the power of our presence, encourages all of us in the commitment to Your Word, not as an observer but as a participant. Help us to grow in our worship of the Lord and to encourage one another in the mission of being there. It’s in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
