Hebrews 3:12-13
Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
I have determined that I have the spiritual gift of exhortation or encouraging. That means that it is natural for me to devote myself to being a cheerleader for those who around me are living for Christ.
When I was in high school I enjoyed playing football. One evening after our practice, several of our players went to the practice field of the large high school in our city. They were a powerhouse in their league, which was many levels higher than ours.
I vividly recall their coach, “Babe” Brown exhorting his team. One of the players had just failed in a blocking assignment and the ball carrier was tackled. Coach Brown ran along side of him and yelled at the top of his lungs; “Son if you can’t block for him, at least clap your hands and cheer him along!” IT WAS A REAL PUTDOWN.
Spiritually we may not be the person designated to carry the ball. We may have the assignment to clear the way for someone else. The best way to do that is to have a spirit of encouragement. You do not need the spiritual gift of encouragement to be an encourager. Make the way of faith easier for others by cheering them along.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil