TODAY’S TRUTH July 12, 2013 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:11–12 Although Paul had never been to Rome, he longed to see the believers there. He did not desire to see them so that he could stay with them and tour Rome. He did not long to see them so that he could engage in some recreational activity with them. Paul desired to see them so that he could encourage and strengthen them in their faith…and in turn, be encouraged in his faith. Paul desired so strongly for others to walk faithfully unto Jesus that he was willing to give all of himself in order to encourage them: “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves” (1 Thessalonians 2:8a). Paul desired to encourage the believers like a father would his child: “For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). Paul’s focus for others was not their happiness…it was their holiness. Who do people long to see? Why? Do they enjoy their company? Are they fun to be around? Do they make them laugh and/or feel good about themselves? Do they enjoy the same type of recreational activities? Sadly, many Christians long to see people for their own selfish motives. Instead of looking to encourage other believers and be a blessing to them, they seek after being around people who will bring them satisfaction. The writer of Hebrews directly addresses why we should gather with other believers: “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). Since salvation is nearer to us today than when we first believed (Romans 13:11), we should be focused on encouraging fellow believers in the faith. Whether or not you had time to enjoy your favorite hobby will not matter in eternity. What will matter is how many believers you encouraged to press on to fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12). Saint, fix your eyes on eternity! Out of all the things that you are choosing to spend your energy, time, and money on, which of them have any eternal value? Choose today, like Paul, to focus on encouraging others in the faith. Instead of spending your resources on your own pleasure, seek today to spend them on strengthening a brother or sister in the faith. Beloved, the amazing thing is that, like Paul, when you go to bless and encourage others, you too will be blessed and encouraged! Now go and build up a fellow believer and be mutually encouraged by one another’s faith!
Posted on: Fri, 12 Jul 2013 07:29:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015