The Power of the “We”
“12 Take heed , brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily , while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; 15 While it is said , To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.”
I’ve read this passage of Scripture many times in my life, but I was amazed at what Holy Spirit illuminated for me this time. I hear the Lord saying to me, “the answer to sin in your life is the encouragement of others in your life.” Let me clarify.
We all have that “thing” in our life that seems to rear its ugly head too often and try to trip us up and throw us off course. Most of us fight this battle alone. That’s not the answer, and it could possibly be the reason we keep fighting the same battle.
Verse 13 says we should “exhort one anther...” To “exhort” is the Greek word parakaleo and it means to call to one’s side to comfort, instruct, teach, beg, encourage ,and strengthen. It comes from the word “kaleo” which means to call aloud by name. These words imply a close relationship. Close enough to know the person’s name, to get in close enough to comfort, and to be thought highly enough to have a voice to teach or encourage. It also implies the ability for that person to become vulnerable in your presence; to be able to “beg” you to let something go and to move in the direction of light and life.
How often? “Daily, while it is called today.” The word “daily” usually means from sun up to sun down. We are people of the day, people of the light. The darkness is for those who do not know Christ; that is when they perform the acts in their hearts. As people of the day, the acts of our heart should be good and holy and kind and productive toward life. We must encourage each other during the day to be who we are called to be as Christ followers, so that we don’t fall back into our old nature at night with those who don’t know Christ.
To have daily exhortation is not an option. Daily comes from the Greek word “Hedraios” which means to be firm, immovable, steadfast and settled. It must be an immovable part of your life to have people in your life who are steadfast in their daily exhortation of you and settled in the role of exhorter in your life. You, in turn, must be steadfast in returning the favor in the life / lives of others. We are in this together!
We should exhort one another while it is called Today. Today means today; this very day. We don’t see our sister or brother suffering and pull a Scarlett O’Hara and say, “I’ll deal with it tomorrow.” Today is when I need you! Today is when you need me!
Could it be that we have no victory over our flesh because we are leaving each other to our own devices? My pastor has been teaching us that “we” are a family on mission for God. Yes, “I” am an individual believer on mission for God, but the power comes from the “we”. When we consider one another, when we exhort each other, that “thing” that has plagued our walk with Christ for so long, will be too scared to continue doing so. It can’t stand against the two or three that are gathered together in His name.
I want to encourage you to have your “two or three” and to be part of someone else’s “two or three.” I want to encourage you to be real about your struggles and to humble yourself for loving correction and firm exhortation, while it is today.
Practical Tips on Getting Started:
Does your church have a women’s ministry? Get involved in those activities. Is there a women’s conference coming? Be bold and invite the woman sitting next to you to lunch.
Is there a class taking place at your church? Take the class and be friendly.
Sundays: Do you sit near the same people in the same section week after week? Go up to someone and start a conversation.
Ask one of your pastors to connect you with a woman who can disciple you.
I know this can be scary and you may even get rejected the first time or two, but don’t give up. Start to think relationally and take a chance! It will be worth it to you in the long run, and you will be worth it to someone else!