Take Advantage of the Opportunities

By Travis Robertson

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:23-25
    This passage is often used to guilt people into attending all services by saying, “if you are not here, then you are forsaking the assembly!” That is using this verse in a way that the author didn’t intend. Forsaking the assembly is more than not being in attendance one week. However, I don’t want to spend our time on that part of this passage. I want you to focus on, “how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”
    We need to take advantages of all the opportunities we have every week to be with one another, and not just on Sunday and Wednesday. Keep track of all the events the church has planned throughout each week, night men and women Bible studies, work days, youth hangouts, etc. The problem comes when we don’t take advantage of those opportunities to encourage one another to love and good deeds. We may not be able to be at everything, but when we can be present, we should, knowing that our presence can help stimulate one another.

- Travis Robertson preachers for the Lake Norman Church of Christ in Huntersville, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at http://lakenormancoc.org/