Stirring One Another Up

Hebrews 10:24 gives us a clear mandate: 'Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.' The word 'consider' implies intentionality. This isn't accidental. It's planned. It's purposeful.

We live in a culture that prizes independence. We're taught to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, to not need anyone, to be self-sufficient. But the Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. Sanctification, as one pastor put it, is a community project.

You need other believers. Not just for fellowship, though that's good. Not just for accountability, though that's important. You need them because God has designed the body of Christ to function together. You have gifts they don't. They have gifts you don't. You sharpen them. They sharpen you.

But here's the thing: this requires showing up. It requires not neglecting to meet together, as some are in the habit of doing. It requires being present, engaged, and willing to both give and receive encouragement.

Think about the five people you spend the most time with. Are they stirring you up toward love and good works? Are you stirring them up? Or are you drifting through relationships on autopilot, never really investing, never really being invested in?

The day is drawing near. Jesus is coming back. And when He does, we want to be found faithful — not isolated, not self-sufficient, but woven into the fabric of His body, encouraging one another toward the finish line.