“Encourage One Another As Long As It Is Called Today!”

“Encourage One Another As Long As It Is called Today!”(Heb.3:12-4:1).
A story is told of a young armed robber who was about to face the firing squad. In that crowded execution arena he was asked if he had anything to say. He pleaded to have a word with his mother. When the mother came closer and bent her ear to listen, he bit the mother’s ear and cut it off. She blamed the mother for receiving with joy the stolen goods he brought home. He said if only his mother had warned him that stealing was not good he would not have become an armed robber.
Indeed, “the river meandered because it flowed alone.” Whoever asks, “Am I my brother’s/sister’s keeper?” has made a major contribution to that brother’s/sister’s downfall.
It takes effort and determination to hold on to the faith. The enticements and allurement of the world are so irresistible that without daily encouragement from one another, we would develop sinful, unbelieving hearts that turns away from the living God.
Those who belong to the household of faith are a family. And family members stand by one another, encouraging one another.
Each time we seek to know from a backslidden brethren the reason that took him/her away, most times the response is that a brother/sister in the Lord was the cause. This is to say, instead of encouraging each other, we tend to be the reason for their disillusionment to the things of God.
When we shall finally enter God’s rest, nobody will usurp another person’s position, portfolio, rank, wealth etc.
My friend, the promise of entering God’s rest still stands. Let us be careful that none of us be found to have fallen short of it. Otherwise all our years of being within will be wasted years. Hold firmly to the end.
The writer of Hebrews says if in the African spirit we hold our hands we can survive the journey with ease.
“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first…”
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit work in us and help us to encourage one another as long as it is called Today. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.