Leighton and I minister in the teen department at our church. It's such a fun group filled with energy and excitement. And, oh, the potential! On Sundays, he works with the high school guys, while I'm with the junior high girls. Every now and then though, our youth pastor keeps everyone together for the Sunday School lesson instead of splitting into groups after announcements and a game like normal.
It was one of those days when the Scripture jumped out at me.
In the class, our youth pastor encouraged the teenagers to live godly lives. Totally what you would expect in a church atmosphere, right? Unfortunately, teens (adults, children, anyone) can get caught up in the things of the world. I think teenagers, especially, struggle with this. They are going through changes, dealing with peer pressure, worrying about the future. It can be difficult to take a stand, even in a church or Christian school. Talking about the Bible and spiritual things should be commonplace, while crude jokes and inappropriate language should be admonished--not only by adults, but their peers as well.
In the class, our youth pastor encouraged the teenagers to live godly lives. Totally what you would expect in a church atmosphere, right? Unfortunately, teens (adults, children, anyone) can get caught up in the things of the world. I think teenagers, especially, struggle with this. They are going through changes, dealing with peer pressure, worrying about the future. It can be difficult to take a stand, even in a church or Christian school. Talking about the Bible and spiritual things should be commonplace, while crude jokes and inappropriate language should be admonished--not only by adults, but their peers as well.
As he was reading in Hebrews 10, verse 24 jumped out at me, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works."
Provoke.
I generally think of provoking in a negative sense.
I generally think of provoking in a negative sense.
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath,
but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. ~ Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. ~ Colossians 3:21
The Bible is filled with verses of provoked to anger, provoked to wrath, provoked to jealousy. In fact, 76 times the word provoked is used. All of them use it toward a negative reaction. All, but one.
provoke, verb
- to call forth (a feeling, an action, etc.)
- to stir up purposely
- to provide the needed stimulus for
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.
We should be striving to live godly lives ourselves, of course, but more than that, we should be purposely stirring up others to live right, too. Encouraging. Persuading. Prodding.
Provoking.
I think of provoking as a sibling who loves to poke at another, whether with words or actions--constantly being an annoyance until the innocent brother or sister gets frustrated. That child is not deterred by anything, but stays persistent until he achieves his goal of making the other person shout in response. And then he laughs.
I have two kids who think this kind of provoking is an enjoyable game (as long as they are the ones harassing, ha). And while it is not a fun experience for most, it is profitable for the zealous provoker who is rewarded for his efforts with a change in attitude from the one he is irritating.
That's how we should be as Christians.
Oh, I'm not saying we need to be annoying and overbearing and rude, but we need that same tenacity toward other Christians. Just like a provoker keeps prodding until he gets the response he's looking for, we should have that same commitment to encouraging Christians to live right
That's how we should be as Christians.
Oh, I'm not saying we need to be annoying and overbearing and rude, but we need that same tenacity toward other Christians. Just like a provoker keeps prodding until he gets the response he's looking for, we should have that same commitment to encouraging Christians to live right
The verses that sandwich number 24 build on that truth:
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hold fast the profession . . . provoke unto love and good works . . . not forsaking . . exhorting one another.
Let's stir each other up for Christ! If you see someone struggling, help them. If you find one going down a dangerous path, give advice. Encourage. Guide. Pray. Love.
Point others to Christ.
You can still influence people during this time of social distancing, maybe even more so now. Check in with your friends. Remind them that you love them. Ask what they've been reading in their Bible. Encourage them to use this time to draw closer to God.
We may not be able to meet in the church building right now, but we can still be a blessing, we can still do right, we can still minister, we can still love.
Let's provoke--call forth, stir up--unto love and to good works.
Point others to Christ.
You can still influence people during this time of social distancing, maybe even more so now. Check in with your friends. Remind them that you love them. Ask what they've been reading in their Bible. Encourage them to use this time to draw closer to God.
We may not be able to meet in the church building right now, but we can still be a blessing, we can still do right, we can still minister, we can still love.
Let's provoke--call forth, stir up--unto love and to good works.
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