Better Together
Chris Leichliter

Scripture: Hebrews 10:23-25 

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 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.

In Hebrews, we receive some pretty direct instructions about what we should do with our faith:

First, we are told to hold fast to our faith because it is our lifeline to God. This is not always an easy task. In a world that can be full of dark and fear and pain, our faith is our declaration of our complete faith that God has a plan, and he is steadfast in that plan. It's all up to Him as long as we have faith.

Next, we are told to be unwavering in our faith. God never breaks His promises to us; this is the beauty of our faith.

Then, we are also instructed to share that faith with others. We have actively made a commitment to hold on to our faith unwaveringly. This is not a passive action, but rather one that implies intentionality and purpose. So we are asked to "stir up one another to love and good works". This action demands community, for we are not alone in our faith journeys. So we need to meet together, hold one another up, and pray for one another in the congregation. 

Finally, how does this apply to Arcola Church? It might be obvious through our activities, groups, outreach, and service. Seems as though we're doing fine, right? But Hebrews tells us that we must do this "all the more as the Day draws near". So, apparently ,our work is never done, and as summer draws near we might find it a little more difficult to stay with the task at hand, or to perhaps "take a vacation" from our faith duties. So perhaps "getting together" might take a different form for a while, but it never goes away.

Prayer:
Father God, help us to always remember that our task is to "get together" and spur others to acts of faith and good works. Help us to remember that there is strength in numbers, and that our faith should never be a passive faith, but rather an active faith that reminds us that You never break Your promises. Amen.