Dear Family and Friends,

Would you agree that nothing is better at filling our souls than gathering and worshiping Jesus with brothers and sisters? That said, if you are ready to jump back into the church life we once enjoyed, by all means please go.

But I sense that many of us are not quite ready for that. To minimize the risks, a few of us have sought smaller group meetings or outdoor venues or both. And others have decided to wait out the pandemic. I wholeheartedly support both your concerns and decisions.

This was the reason behind what was shared last week – a way for us to continue following Jesus – – without jeopardizing our health and safety. “… encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 NIV

Besides encouraging one another daily, does the Bible offer other ways to keep walking with Jesus in these times when going to church is not an option?

Hebrews 3:13 contained two key words or phrases that we tend to skim over, words that are critically important to our faith walk. Today, we will look at a few verses containing those key words – – ‘today’ and ‘one another.’

I think we all know, or at least sense, that success in life has a high correlation to effort and devotion. Many of those successful in athletics, academics, business, professions, etc., devoted their all to their craft. Their success came with a price.

Spiritual maturity is no different. My point: Our spiritual growth in Christ has a high correlation to the time we spend following Him. 

Jesus Christ wants us to dedicate the whole of our lives to Him. Good days and bad ones. Busy days and slow ones.

Jesus asks that we deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. (Luke 9:23) This means dedicating every day, not just Sundays, to God because every single day is one that the Lord has made. (Psalm 118:24) And giving praise to the Lord, to God our Savior, who bears our burdens daily. (Psalm 68:19)

We all know, or at least sense, that friends can make a difference in our lives. I had my share of friends who led me into trouble. At better times in my life, I had friends who positively impacted my life. 

Having said that, we need to realize that we make a difference in our friends as well. And if we really listen to what Jesus says, I believe He wants us to be that positive difference maker in the lives of others. 

My point in all this is to say: True friends help one another. Not out of obligation but out of love.

As for what we can do for one another, Jesus and the Bible asks that:

  • In everything, we do to others what we would have them do to us. (Matthew 7:12)
  • We love one another (John 13:34)
  • We be devoted to one another and honor one another above ourselves. (Romans 12:10)
  • We live in harmony with one another. (Romans 12:16)
  • We stop passing judgment on one another. (Romans 14:13)
  • We serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13)
  • We be patient with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
  • We be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other. (Ephesians 4:32)
  • We teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. (Colossians 3:16)
  • We encourage one another and build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
  • We pray for one another. (James 5:16)

Do you notice that every one of these verses urges us to make a difference in someone else’s life. They are not about us or what we can do for ourselves to grow our faith.

The beauty of the Gospel is that as we help others, as we focus on others, we are in fact also helping ourselves.

As we help others we draw nearer to Christ. The more we give of ourselves, the more we receive in return.
 
My friends, Aileen and I lost someone very close and dear to us a week ago today. He had so much of life ahead of him. Although we are greatly saddened, we take comfort in knowing he is with Jesus today.

I share this not for sympathy. I share this as a lesson for all of us – that life will always be shorter than we expect it will be. Let’s not waste our days pursuing the things we leave behind. Let’s not waste our days by putting off what we can and should do today.

Let’s instead spend our days by praising Jesus, and by showing our love to one another daily as long as it’s called today.

In love always,