How many times have you heard someone say, “That church just doesn’t give me what I need”? or “I can’t stand that church’s music, pastor, members, worship-style, or kids’ program”? Let’s make it a little more personal. How many times have you and I thought or even said these things?
“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.” Hebrews 10:24-25
That first phrase, “and let us consider one another…” can be so over-looked in these popular verses. A quick Google search of the word “consider” shows it means to “think carefully about, contemplate, or reflect on”. To go deeper, the Strong’s Concordance says the word “consider” in this verse means “to consider attentively, fix one’s eyes or mind upon”. When is the last time you thought carefully about the needs of others? When is the last time you really looked deeply and thought deeply about the needs of someone else?
The truth is – churches around the world would thrive to a new level if we, as Christians, walked into church each time and CONSIDERED one another.
For many years, my husband was at church prepping for a sermon while I was getting 5 kids (at one point who were all ages 5 and under) ready for church by myself. By the time I got to church, I can tell you that the “let us consider one another” phrase was not always at the front of my mind. I couldn’t wait to get a small kid-break so I could soak up encouragement and biblical wisdom. I’m not throwing shade on those who do this, because we have all been there – and church should spiritually feed and encourage us!
However, we have turned around the meaning of what church is meant to be. There is not one mention in these verses of what “self” can get out of church, though inevitably, “self” will receive a blessing. It seems God is making a point to remind us that we need to gather together in order to think of and prefer others’ needs above our own and to motivate and push others closer to a lifestyle of good works. Our actions can push others to be better people. Wow!
What would churches be like if we entered the doors intentionally looking for someone to encourage in their walk with the Lord?
– a genuine smile
– a kind word spoken, with eye contact
– a meaningful hug
– cheerfully serving that tired mom’s kids in the nursery, even when you’re the one who could use the break, with zero thought or mention of how you’ve already “served your time”
– faithfully teaching those precious kids so their parents can also listen to the Word of God without distraction
– the example we show others by opening our Bibles and taking notes during the sermon (better to write notes, than to hold a scorecard)
– singing with abandon to the Lord (and that love for Jesus showing on our faces)…
– helping to fill the holes instead of criticizing them (Instead of complaining that the kids’ program lacks – be the one who helps to get it off the ground!)
…These are just a few things you can do that can push others to pursue a life where they want to please God more with their actions. It’s a lot harder to accomplish this purpose via livestream. We need IN-PERSON, REAL contact with others. And by walking in those doors with a heart to serve others, we will, inevitably, receive a blessing for ourselves.
One commentator said: “Love needs stimulation and society. Faith and hope can be practiced by a solitary, in a hermit’s cell or on a desert island. But the exercise of love is possible only in a community.”
So consider this…on Sunday, challenge yourself to forget how tired you feel. For a moment, try your best to forget your own problems. Enter those church doors ready and willing to encourage the hurting ones around you. Look for people to serve and for needs to fulfill. Serve with gladness. Consider one another. And be amazed how you end up being the one most blessed.
(By the way – Writing the truth doesn’t mean I’ve mastered it, but that I’ve recognized it. Our flesh will ask, “How does this church serve me?” But the Spirit living inside of us will prompt us to ask, “How can I love, serve, and consider one another?”)
Just a Mom’s View 