Motivate One Another

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10: 24-25

As I read these words, the teacher in me imagines a group of believers gathered in a small room. The leader of the group is standing next to a white board while the others are gathered in a loose semi-circle. They are excited to be there. There is a certain synergy that only happens when they come together. The leader snaps the cap off the dry erase marker, looks at the group and then back at the whiteboard and says, “Let’s think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” The ideas come faster than she can write: “Encourage them with your words.” “Lead by example by doing acts of service.” “Invite them to serve alongside you while serving others. And the list goes on.” 

What would your contribution be? You might think, “I have nothing to offer.” But there is one thing we all have an abundance of, and that is influence. As much as we like to think that we are completely independent, no one really is. We are all influenced either positively or negatively by others. And the closer we are to people, the greater our influence. 

The writer of Hebrews encourages us to use our influence for good, to motivate others to acts of love and good works. In these dark times, we need to let the light of God shine through us. As we await the return of Christ, may we use our influence to encourage each other in a way that makes a difference in their lives so they can make a difference in our world.