VERSE:
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
— Hebrews 10:24-25
THOUGHT:
I always used to think that this passage was a commandment to attend Sunday service because we are not to “forsake the assembly”. However, it doesn’t say “let us consider how the pastor can spur us on towards love and good deeds… and the preacher can encourage us…” it says “…spur one another on… encourage one another…” When reading this passage in its context, I realize that this verse is impossible to fulfill by simply “going to church” on Sundays where you can slip in and out virtually unnoticed.
I believe that the “meeting” as mentioned here, is much smaller than hundreds of people, and more intentional than 2 fast songs, 3 slow ones, pass the bucket, hear the message and go home. This is not to discredit what is done on Sundays all across America, because the teaching and preaching of the word and operation of the gifts of the spirit is CRUCIAL to the mutual edification of the church; however obedience to this command in Hebrews 10:24-25 can only be fulfilled in small groups.
APPLICATION:
Be intentional about joining a small group on a regular basis; whether it is one that is connected with your local congregation or not. Get connected with a tight group of believers for the purpose of spurring one another on toward love and good deeds, and encouraging one another. If it is not your “thing” acknowledge that you have developed a bad habit of “giving up meeting together” and start obeying the scriptures.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help me become a part of a tight nit group of believers so that we can spur one another on towards love and good deeds and encourage one another. Help us model after the pattern that you have designed for the church. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN!