August 24, 2022 -- Hebrews 10:24 -- Being a Catalyst for Good

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…
Hebrews 10:24 ESV

Yesterday, while leading an Overcomers group (that is a Christian 12-step group) one of the men noted when you decide to do good, suddenly it seems things go against you. For example, you decide to quit smoking and people who would in the past never give you a cigarette, even if you paid a buck for it, now are offering you cigarettes for free. There are many forces stacked against the one who desires to do good. Our flesh fights against the ways of God. The devil and his evil hordes howl in protest against any good intentions. Even your peers can be part of the mocking and scoffing group which seeks to pull you down from acting on your good intentions.

Those who follow Jesus Christ have been cleansed by His blood. Those who are saved make a decision to walk in His love and imitate His good works as confirmation of this new life that has taken hold. Fellow Christians, how can you inspire others to do good? Your example of going to church twice on a Sunday inspires others. Your commitment to cleaning up your language even in a foul-mouth work environment is a way of encouraging others. Peers who might be too timid going it alone might join you in such good. Show genuine love to the people around you. Listen to their concerns. Pray. Follow up later, privately ask them about the concern they’d brought up and let them know you are praying. You know your gifts, your talents, your skills and you know how the Spirit of God is moving you to act.

Ask yourself: who can you stir up to love and good works? Who in your life needs to see the power of the Holy Spirit at work in your life so that fruit of being a Christian is clear to others and they catch an enthusiasm for such living? Recently a friend of mine made a commitment to go to the gym. His decision so blessed me that I recommitted myself to healthier eating. What you do is being observed by the people around you. Live to the glory of the Father by the reconciling work of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Blessed are You, King Jesus, The Captain of Salvation and the Savior of all Who trust in You. Spirit of the Living God move us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. Father in heaven, be glorified in the lives of Your children and among Your people as, in obedience to Your Word, we consider how to stir each other up to love and good works. Amen.

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