Jump Start # 123

Hebrews 3:13 “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

  This simple verse is packed full of great ideas. It is almost busting out, like a suitcase that is stuffed full of clothes. Implied in this verse is the interaction among brethren. Remember this was written in a day in which contact with one another was face to face. No cell phones, facebook, emails—the only way they had to encourage was to see each other. Travel back then was predominately by foot, so they were not as spread out as we are. They didn’t have ways of keeping food like we do, so they had to go everyday to the market place. They saw each other, nearly every day.

  The responsibility of keeping one another encouraged fell upon the brethren. It was not listening to an inspiring sermon once a week, nor did the this task fall upon the shoulders of the elders. Every one was connected and they were to stay connected.

  Encouragement is like oxygen to our souls. The word means to “build up.” It involves strengthening our souls and reminding each other of our places, roles, and hopes in Christ. The world has a way of “knocking us down” and “knocking the spiritual breath out of us.” We can feel alone or defeated. Our families who are not Christians can really hurt us at times. We can get mixed up, confused and simply forget who we are. Encouragement helps. We remember that Barnabas was the “son of encouragement.” All Christians need this. Sometimes preachers seem upbeat and confident, but behind the doors they can really get discouraged. They wander if what they do is doing any good. The same goes for elders. So often they are dealing with broken lives and problems, after a while that wears on them. All of us need this. Remember this when you are around other Christians. Some are critical. Some always point out what is wrong and what needs to be done. There is a place for that. But this verse tells us that we need encouragement, all the time.

  Also, we find here the nature of sin. It hardens and it deceives. Sin promises but never delivers. It promises freedom, happiness, success and peace and ends up with misery, pain and brokenness. Sin hardens our conscience. This has happened to us already. We can sit through a movie and tell someone it’s a great movie and really clean, even though we didn’t notice the profanity. We can become insensitive to bad words. We can become insensitive to immodesty, rudeness, pride, and materialism. Sin hardens us. Our hearts can no longer be soft to what is going on around us. When we think of a “hard person” we imagine some one who is short tempered, mean and outspoken. Here a hard heart is no longer effected by sin. It doesn’t bother him. It is a sad day when people get that way. Many are already there.

  The solution to all of this? Encouragement. Daily encouragement. Reminding each other of the purity in Christ and the ways of the Lord. This is our hope and this is what will work.

Today just happens to be a “today.” Try to encourage. Kind words, good deeds, hugs are just a few of the ways we can send some sunshine into someone’s heart.

Roger