This morning I was reminded that it is important for me to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes, those that have found Christ. I have to remember that it is my fellow Christ followers who are running into adversity and are being persecuted daily and are struggling as I am with making it through each day.
“11Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
I may struggle daily with the work I am doing for Christ. It is difficult when it seems that I do the work and get little to no acknowledgment of the work. I seem to do and do and do and all I seem to get is more of the same. It is frustrating and frankly it hurts to feel as though there is no appreciation for that which is done. I am not looking for my name in lights, no. I would like to at least have some appreciation sent my way. But, that is not why it is that I do the work. It is not for the appreciation or acknowledgment. It is for the work and the idea that it is the right thing to do and continue doing. I need the encouragement of the work and knowing that I am doing it for Christ and not for me.
I have to remember that there are many others that are likely struggling with the same. It is my duty to give them encouragement and do the work to help them. I have to make sure that I am lifting them up so that they will have some of the same weight I experience removed so they will see the good in what they do and not just that work being the work. I have to remember to give them the reward of appreciation and acknowledgment to get them through so that they will be willing and able to continue doing the work of Christ.
It is not about me. It cannot and should not be. I have to remember my fellow Christians and build them up so that they will continue the work and not grow weary in doing so. The lost world needs Christ, and my fellow Christians need to know that they are doing the right things in working to bring Him to that world. “Encourage one another” is not just for the world, it is for Christians everywhere as we look to do the work of Christ. We will feel defeated, we need to be built up for that shot of energy needed to continue.
Who are you encouraging and for what reason? Are you looking to build others up for accomplishments in the world? What about your fellow Christians and encouraging them to continue with the work of Christ?
Trevor's Thoughts 