MOTIVATE ONE ANOTHER
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24, NLT
Theme: The Church motivates the gathered believers to put love into action.
GOING TOGETHER
Going together, be it to the gym, to volunteer, or to a weekend service is more likely to happen when we are motivated by our friends. This morning, I was planning to lift weights but thought I might skip it because it was rainy, plus I was tired. My gym buddy was going to be there and so, even though I wasn’t feeling it, we met up for a workout. One of the greatest motivators for me to attend a weekend service is the presence of my family and friends. On Friday or Saturday, my friend Lavinia and my sister-in-law Chelsea often confirm whether they will attend the usual (8am) service. When they plan to attend, I am highly motivated to follow through. It even helps my kids if they know their cousins and friends plan to be in Cove Kids class with them and available for hugs and high fives after service. Knowing that our presence encourages our friends and that God is honored in our commitment gives me the strength to show up on difficult days. The first step to building character is to go, to show up.
LET IT SINK IN
Some weeks, I sit in the comfortable blue chairs with my arms crossed. I am grumpy because I didn’t make time for a quick breakfast; annoyed because the kids were arguing on the way; uncomfortable because I stepped in a puddle in the parking lot and I simply don’t feel up to it. The believers gathered together, especially the ones I know personally, often help me to soften from a closed to an open posture.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV). Some days we show up ready to participate, other days the example of those around us encourages us to keep trying, keep showing up, and to be loving and generous with our words and actions.
ALL OUT
Many opportunities to serve our community are available at The Cove during this year’s focus on going “all out.” Those opportunities are always available to us (through FeedNC, local nursing homes, and with those in need we meet). Yet we may hesitate to add them to our schedules if we must go alone. When we gather to serve, it’s different. Building existing relationships, serving together, and motivating others to love and good work help all of us.
Make It Personal: Whether you enjoy encouraging others or you need a little encouragement yourself to get started, consider going together. Join a Life Group, serving team, or All Out serve this week. Encourage other believers (maybe just one friend) to join you and allow the Body of Christ to motivate you! “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24, NLT).
Pray: Dear God, Thank You for the Church and the many people who make up the Body. Help me to value going together, whether to a weekend service, to serve the community, to Life Group, or to encourage my friends. Lord, thank You for the times that others have helped me to show up. Thank You for the times they have helped change my attitude if I showed up with a bad one. In Your Name I pray, amen.
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14; Matthew 5:13-16
Weekly Memory Verse: “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25, NLT