Love and Support

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.     Hebrews 3:12-13

Life is hard.  It's even more difficult when you are all alone, without the encouragement and support of others around you.  God has instructed us to care for one another, to lift each other up and to hold each other accountable.  Sin and the enemy are powerful forces that can't be defeated and kept in check by yourself.  It requires the work of all of his people.

It is so easy to get caught up in the modern thinking of "I".  I've been engulfed in this school of thought for many, many years.  Living and taking action from this perspective puts the focus of life on "I".  Truly, the universe revolves around "I" in that way of living.  This way of thinking and living leaves no room for a loving God.  All of the positive, successful, happy and abundant moments in life are the result of "I" and the energy or thoughts of "I".  In this realm of existence, God is a punisher.

When a mistake is made, or you fall short in a relationship, or your business struggles, or maybe your kid develops a behavior issue, all of a sudden it's not "I" anymore, it's God.  "God is punishing me for ______" becomes a common thought.  Taking all the credit for the good in life, "I" places all the blame for shortcomings and failures on God, or even worse, other people.

Having a positive mental attitude and outlook on life are necessary tools for happiness and success in life.  However, replacing God with a grander vision of one's self is the result of an ego (Edging God Out) controlled by the enemy.  And many, many times, the "I" is not able to see the pile of manure they are standing in because the enemy has it covered in flowers....but it's still a pile of manure. 

You and I, as brothers and sisters in Christ, must be able to support one another and hold tight to the Word of the Lord.  It is our duty, a command from God, that we help those around us in their walk with God. Love and support are necessary ingredients in the development of a tender heart filled with the Holy Ghost.