To Be Encouraged...

Very nearly every adult in the United States remembers learning how to ride a bicycle.  The usual method involves a parent following behind the learning child, holding the seat of the bicycle as the child pedals.  Eventually, mom or dad lets go of the seat. Notice, however, that they rarely tell the child they are on their own.  It is important to the child to have the encouragement and assurance of safety by their parent's presence.  When learning a new thing, we need assurance.  The need does not stop with learning how to ride a bike.

Christians are forever learning to be transformed into the image of Christ.  As Paul mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:26, the focus when we assemble is to edify.  We are not to be focused on ourselves or on finding glory for ourselves.  Rather, we should look to edify and build up our fellow brothers and sisters.  Why?  Because as we learn new things and as we strive to make ourselves into the image of Christ, encouragement is needed.  The building up that a Christian receives from others is crucial to his or her success!

When we next assemble, let us seek opportunities to edify.  Let us give encouragement as often as we can.  Let us strive to aid our brothers and sisters in their respective journeys toward becoming more like Christ.  

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works, not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching," Hebrews 10:24-25.

-J-