Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
There is a high price and a high cost to following Jesus. I think one of the biggest lies in our day and age is that all we have to do is walk in the aisle, say yes to Jesus, and it stops there. No commitment to the church, no accountability, and no commitment to digging deep into the Scriptures. That's a lie from the enemy, because following Jesus will cost us, and it can even cost us our lives.
We will be misunderstood. If we're serious about the things of God, we will eventually be hated. Here's why: Because we stand on truth, and people don't like that. God's Word pierces through our hearts, and God's Word convicts people of their sins and exposes people's sins.
A Message to Tired Christians
Our Verse of the Day comes out of Hebrews chapter 10, verse 24. It says, "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works."
Remember, the book of Hebrews written to tired Christians, and the primary message is that Jesus is better. Don't drift. Don't go back. Don't give yourself over to these things because they will overpromise and under deliver.
These Christians were discouraged. I just want to stop there for a minute and say this: Whenever you find yourself discouraged, ask yourself what it is that encourages you. What is it that places courage in you?
Words From a Mentor
My mentor always told me that eventually we will get to a place where we're tired and we're out of strength. In those moments, we must do whatever we can to stay encouraged. I love to be around people that pray. I love worship music. I love going on walks. I love being around people that challenge me in my faith.
Do your best to stay encouraged. Notice what the writer says. "Let us think of ways to motivate one another."
There is Always Pain in the Room
If I was to put ten people in this room right now, there would be a lot of pain in the room. I want you to remember this phrase: There is always pain in the room. No matter where you're at. There's always pain in the room.
That's why I love this verse, because the writer is saying, motivate those around you because there's tired people around you. There's discouraged people around you.
We Cannot Be Self-Absorbed
To do that, we can't be self-absorbed. We can't be self-centered. We must understand the people that are in our sphere of influence. God has placed them there for a reason.
I'm always looking for ways to encourage and build and elevate other people. How do I do that? Sometimes it's through a text message. Sometimes it's through a phone call and just praying over the phone with a buddy of mine or whoever. Family member. Sometimes it's just providing the ministry of presence.
The Ministry of Presence
When someone is hurting, they don't need a theological explanation. They need your presence.
I want to encourage you, and I want to ask you this question: Who has God placed in your life that you can motivate today? Who has God placed in your life that you can encourage today?
Take that step. Be bold. Notice the pain in the room and look to elevate others.
