The Hebrews writer warns that it is possible for men and women to “fall away from God” (Hebrews 3:12). Some, who were at one time faithful Christians, will give in to the “deceitfulness of sin” (v. 13), will let go of their faith in God (v. 14), and will fail to remain obedient to His commands (v. 18).
We also read that the consequence of falling “away from the living God” is not entering “His rest” (Hebrews 3:19). Once faithful Christians can lose out on the beautiful promise of spending eternity in heaven with God.
Thankfully, the writer also provides a solution to accompany this ominous warning and consequence. In Hebrew 3:13, we are commanded to “encourage one another day after day as long as it is still called ‘Today.’” Did you realize how vital it is for us to encourage others spiritually? We have an obligation as Christians, not only to remain faithful and obedient to God but to encourage others daily.
It may be far too easy to focus on ourselves in today’s world while failing to think about our brothers and sisters’ faith, faithfulness, and obedience. We live in a time when we might not see some of our fellow Christians for weeks or even months. We live in a time when most if not all of the members of our congregation might seem reasonably self-sufficient. We live in a time where many of us like to keep our faith, our struggles, and even our obedience or disobedience to ourselves. But, “it is still called ‘Today.’”
Who did we encourage yesterday? Who will we encourage tomorrow? Who are we going to encourage today?
Matt Langfield