“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10: 24-25 ESV)
Have you ever wanted to do something, but somehow lacked the motivation to do it? Motivation can be described as a desire to do something. You have an inner drive that moves you toward an anticipated outcome. Many of us have goals and dreams we want to reach, but at times lack the desire to keep pressing toward those much-anticipated outcomes.
If we look at the scripture in Hebrews, the author is telling us to ‘stir up’ one another. Stir up and motivate are interchangeable. We are called to motivate each other to love and good works. This would suggest, you need each other to press toward those things. A friend or accountability partner saying, “You can do it”, “Keep going”, “We’ll help”, “You’re not alone”. But how do we get people around us that will help stir us to good works?
The scripture is followed by an instruction to ‘gather together’. It tells us to not neglect this act because it can help promote that stirring to achieve the good works we are called to do. If we want to build relationships with one another, we must not neglect the ‘coming together’ to encourage one another. So, how do we gather together in a world of Covid-19 and quarantine? Technology and intentionality.
Technology might not be the initial thing that comes to mind when typically describing a gathering, but in a time era when we are faced with obstacles that prevent traditional gathering of sorts, technology can keep us united and “together” during this time of social distancing and quarantine. And while technology is amazing, it’s still not enough. We must be intentional in our connections with others if we want to stay united.
Forming groups online, reaching out to family members and friends, having those weekly check-ins with employees, attending online bible studies, and other means of staying connected via technology are all imperative to our “gathering together” during a time of distancing. I’ve witnessed many people make an impact and continue to encourage others by simply reaching out to through the means they have access to: YouTube, Social Media, varying streaming platforms, video chats, Zoom meetings, and many more.
Although we are physical apart from each other, we can still “gather together” and stir each other up to love and good works. What groups can you join to stir others up? Who can you reach out to that might need an encouraging word to help them keep moving forward during such uncertain times? Who can you connect with to keep yourself encouraged? We are more able to pour out to others when we ourselves have a full cup. Get connected, be intentional, and inspire each to love and good works.
“Two people are better than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” (Eccl. 4:9)
Recommended Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father thank you for the gift of technology I get to enjoy in more ways than one. Help me to be fruitful and creative that I may be a blessing to those whom I can reach via technology. I pray you would draw me to the right groups and place me in a setting where I can pour out to others. May I always be an encourager and inspire those in my sphere of influence. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
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