First, let me apologize for not posting last week. I did not feel led to write so I decided to not write. I did not want to sit down and force something and it not be meaningful, heartfelt or bathed in prayer. I do hope that you had an awesome week and prayerfully the weeks of me not writing will be few and far between.
We live in a world that is so fast paced and all about self that we tend to forget to slow down. More importantly we forget to encourage one another. Being an ex-teacher I feel I can accurately give this example. When you have a student who is struggling or doesn't think they can do the work before them, what do most teachers do? They encourage the student. Sometimes it’s just a few words like: I believe in you and other times its taking them aside and step by step helping them get the work done. Both ways are encouraging to the student, because they realize they can do the work. So, I want to ask you this question: What would the world be like if we took just a few minutes out of our day to encourage someone? The Bible actually instructs us to encourage each other. “But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.” Hebrews 3:13 The deception the author is talking about can be easily understood as the world view on life. If you live a worldly life, you put yourself first and don’t worry about others. Putting others before ourselves is a hard thing to do. We are in a world that promotes putting self-first, but it’s also of the flesh. It’s a battle that everyone at some point struggles with.
Back to my question, what would the world be like if we took just a few minutes of our day to encourage someone? I would like to think it would be a better place. How many times a day have you gone through your entire day at work and made it home and did not encourage someone? Depending on what you do for a living you may not be in an environment where you can encourage someone. So then what are you supposed to do? What about finally going to bed and not even an encouraging word to your family leaves your mouth. This is when the “little” things can go a long way. Here are a few suggestions: Put a note in your loved ones lunch. Write someone a letter or a card and mail it to them. We tend to focus on technology so much we forget what it feels like to get a letter or card in the mail. The person receiving it will probably smile, and that means you just made their day a little better. You could give them a call, text or email and say hey I was thinking about you…hope you have a great day. You could buy the food or drink or put a little money towards the persons purchase behind you. There are a ton of things that you can do for someone, that doesn't cost money. Obviously there are things you can do that cost money too, but if you take just a moment out of your busy schedule to encourage someone; you will find that it makes you feel better too. :) I’m not saying go broke just so you can encourage others, but if that’s what you feel led to do…go for it! You can start small. Pick one day of the week and send a note to someone or call someone or do both.
I have always wanted to help people. I like to encourage people and feel a burden to help others as much as possible. I’m always looking for ways to do more and my biggest fault is I want to do it on a BIG scale. The truth is, if we start by doing one thing nice or encouraging one person you are starting a ripple effect. Prayerfully the person who received your kindness will be kind to someone else. The same goes with encouragement, if you encourage someone they will probably take the time to encourage someone else and so the ripple begins. We are called to plant the seed and let God take care of the rest. You never know how someone is truly feeling or what they are going through. Give encouragement and be the blessing that person needs. I’m going to leave you with words from Paul and I urge you don’t wait until the holidays are upon us to start living in peace and giving encouragement…live it out daily. “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV) Until next time, May Yahweh bless you and protect you.” Numbers 6:24
*Bible verses taken from HCSB unless noted otherwise
No comments:
Post a Comment