Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25

While fishing on a river near flood stage, my husband noticed what appeared to be red leaves floating at a distance. But upon close inspection, he discovered instead that each red patch was composed of thousands of ants intertwined. Heavy rains had washed the ants out of their homes. They were holding onto each other and floating in order to survive. When Don splashed water on the ants, the water bounced off. These ants were averting disaster by remaining close to one another. 

What a picture of the church! Floods in life will come, but by remaining close to one another, we believers gain strength. Believers need one another for encouragement toward righteousness. We need one another for encouragement to stand firm in our faith in times of difficulty. We need one another to gain comfort and to share the comfort that God has given us in times of need. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)  

We gain from the church, but we also give to the church. Our scripture for today encourages us to consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Do you attend church only for what you will gain, or do you determine weekly to be used by God to exhort others?

When Jesus ascended to heaven, He did not leave us alone. He gave us the Counselor, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit of truth. But He also gave us the gift of other believers. How intertwined are you with other believers? How connected are you with the church? Believer, you need the church, and the church needs you! 

Lord, You have designed Your church to be encouragers who spur one another toward righteousness, love, and good deeds. Help us remain committed to gathering with other believers. Use us to strengthen one another!   

Jan Burkhart