Spur One Another On

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. -Hebrews 10:24

Friendship in Christ is more than just spending time with someone. Today's Scripture reminds us that we are to consider - think creatively about - encouraging one another in our Christian walk. Our relationships in the Lord are either moving onward and upward, or we are diminishing each other. We are to see our friends in the light of what God intends for them to become. It's a mistake to think we can let down our guard or allow ourselves to be blah, blue, crabby, or selfish just because we're with those who "already know us." Life in Christ is more intentional than that! Our friends need to see us walking with Jesus and filled with His Spirit. They need to hear wise, positive, helpful words from us, rather than empty, cynical, or complaining words. Look for fresh ways you can spur on your friends in their growth in Christ.

Dear God, help me not to become a complacent or lazy about my friendships. Set a guard at my tongue, Lord, and keep me from saying empty, ungrateful, faithless words - and from using my physical difficulties or weariness as an excuse.

-From A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada; p. 79

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