“But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb 3:13)
I’ve come to realize that what I have is not normal. It’s not perfect, and it’s not totally alone, but I live in a world of encouragement. I can expect multiple times a week to be asked, “Hey man. How is your soul?” Or, “What are you reading in the word?” Or “Can I share this verse with you?” I’m routinely encouraged to think on eternity, to put away sin, and to love Christ more. And as the church gathers, I look around at the members of my church and feel confident that the true gospel is being shared all over the room. That is a rare blessing, and I don’t want to take it for granted. In fact, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters to keep encouraging each other!
The writer of Hebrews says to encourage each other, “every day, as long as it is called ‘today.’” Well that’s pretty clear. What day is it? Today! So we should be encouraging each other! I talk to so many people who, when I ask how their soul is doing, respond with, “Thank you so much for asking. I haven’t been asked that in a while.” How sad! We are to be exhorting one another daily, and I would imagine that the majority of people we come in contact with on a daily basis have not been encouraged with God’s word outside of a Sunday sermon in months. May it never be with us!
What are the benefits to this daily encouragement? We are not hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. When God’s people point each other to God’s promises in light of God’s gospel, the trickery of sin is exposed. And this highlights the type of encouragement we are giving. We need to be exhorted about the true nature of sin (James 1:15). We need to be reminded of God’s promises in Christ (2 Pet 1:4). And we need to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 4:6). We are so quick to forget. And I need the reminders! Even if you think I know them, take the position of Peter: “Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder” (2 Pet 1:12-13).
But here’s the thing: This type of environment of encouragement dies within one generation. Sure, we are devoted to encouraging one another. But this is not a given. We need to continue to pursue this lifestyle of daily encouragement. We need to model this for our brothers and sisters newer in the faith. We need to teach the principle found in God’s word. We need to raise up our children to know this for themselves. And if you find yourself in a church where this is not happening, then be the start! You can be the person to start encouraging your brothers and sisters daily. You can be the one to say, “Have you read Hebrews 3:13? Let’s start doing this!” Just as it is not a given that it will continue, don’t think that it could never be. Trust the Lord with this simple obedience.
I pray that what I get to experience becomes more and more normal. I pray for more godly churches where the encouragement is rich. Please keep encouraging each other, and draw more people into this godly practice. And please, encourage me! I need it just as bad as anyone else.
Jacob Crouch