"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." -Hebrews 10:24-25

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Spur, Meet, Encourage

HigherTrek is all about relationships because we know that content doesn’t disciple people—people disciple people. In the verses above, the author of Hebrews shares wisdom that can help us foster deep, life-giving relationships. I specifically want to highlight three words: spur, meet, encourage.

1. SPUR - The author of Hebrews says, "Let us consider..." Spurring someone on toward love and good deeds doesn't just happen—it takes intentionality. It often requires friction and can be uncomfortable, but if received, it leads to growth. Proverbs 27:17 puts it this way, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

2. MEET - It's always easier to stay home. There’s always another house project to finish, assignment to complete, game to play, show to watch, rest to catch up on. But the more we prioritize relationships, the more we discover how essential they are. In fact, research shows a direct link between health and happiness and the number of deep relationships a person has. God designed us for relationships.

3. ENCOURAGE - Notice that “encourage one another” is contrasted with "not meeting together”. Encouragement, therefore, is an expected element of Christian gatherings. We see this throughout the ministry of Paul and Barnabas in the book of Acts (Acts 11:21-26, 14:21-22, 15:32, 16:40, 20:1). Encouragement is also one of the ways we exemplify the character of God to each other and serve as His spokesmen (Rom. 15:5).

As followers of Jesus, may we be a people who regularly meet together to spur and encourage.