“But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called ‘today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13 NASB)
If you do not read any further this morning, please benefit from the words in the opening verse. However, if you choose to read on, you will benefit even more as it relates to the subject of encouragement.
A young boy, about 10-years-old, could often be seen shooting a basketball on a hoop that his father had mounted on the garage. Every day when the boy came home, he would hurry to finish his homework so that he could shoot some baskets. It seems like he had learned from the Oriental saying, “To do is to learn.” He had a routine to practice his roundball skills. The first thing that he would do is shoot ten free throws trying to perfect his form and his accuracy.
One day a couple of older neighborhood kids came to play with the young boy. They asked, “Can we play?” The ten-year-old said, “Of course, but let me finish shooting my ten free-throws.” He only had four more free throw attempts to complete that part of his regular routine, One of the neighborhood boys said, “We can rebound the ball and help you finish.” The ten-year-old boy smiled and said, “Great!” As he continued to shoot, one of the neighborhood boys said, “You will never be any good shooting like that! You probably should try baseball or soccer.” The ten-year-old’s face looked sad and naturally discouraged. That’s when the other neighborhood boy spoke up and immediately said, “Don’t listen to him. If you keep practicing, who knows, one day you will be one of the best players in the neighborhood.” The ten-year-old boy’s face went from being sad to glad, from feeling discouraged to being obviously encouraged. Making a long story short, that little boy did become one of the best players in the neighborhood.
The lesson for us to learn today is that we need to encourage our brothers and sisters in the Lord as we travel along the upward climb through life. Undeniably, it is a fact that everybody can benefit from words of encouragement. Really! Yes, really! It does not matter how high one may be on the ladder of success in school, or how much one has ascended on the sanctification climb on the Christian journey, or how one has demonstrated excellence in a specialized field, he or she can still benefit from encouragement. Likewise, as can be expected, if one is struggling to advance and shows signs of giving up, that person can surely benefit from encouragement.
What is encouragement? Think of these words: supporting, boosting, inspiring, instilling, helping, reassuring. reinforcing, and reminding others to keep striving, aiming to reach that ever-standing goal that my Momma used to call, “Better!” Help someone reach for “Better” and to reject the notion of giving up by encouraging them!
Listen! You are not exempt. You will need encouragement one day too! When the way seems too dark; you will need somebody to encourage you to look with hope for the light that will show up in your life. When you are suffering, you will need somebody to remind you that suffering only last for a nighttime and joy is coming in the morning! Like everybody else, you will need someone to encourage you in the midst of the storms of life, letting you know that the Lord can bring you peace, even in the midst of the storm. When circumstances are prevailing and pushing against you in such a way that they cause much pain, you will need somebody to encourage you to praise God anyway because He still will take care of you. So, when someone speaks a word of encouragement to you, be all ears. Benefit from encouragement yourself! Have a good day! Be blessed!
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King