Cheer on other followers… build on each other’s strengths…
We have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:7
I remember attending those Friday night football games several years ago at which my daughters used to cheer at… no matter how the team was performing on the field, the guys knew that at least the cheerleaders would support them. And the cheering seemed louder and more intense the worse the players performed… it was as though the cheerleaders knew each players potential, and in the midst of adversity, rallied to build their spirits so that they could finish the game strong, as victors. In much the same way, 1 Thessalonians 3 stirs us as if we’ve just attended a spiritual pep rally.
While it’s doubtful that the Apostle Paul’s spiritual education included rallies as we know them, he certainly understood the value of cheering on his fellow believers. God’s team goes by other names, such as Kingdom of God, and the family of God. And like any other team, we’re all working toward the same goal… the promise of eternity with Jesus as our focus.
As we journey toward our goal, we’re constantly in a battle, with Satan and all his dark forces. But we also battle fatigue, discouragement, personal weakness, shaky unity, and busyness. And because of all we’re up against, we need each other to ensure that we don’t get sidelined on our way to the big win… fighting strong as joyful victors instead of merely limping into eternity.
Our encouragement, prayers, examples of faith, and tenacious trust in Jesus impact one another more than we might realize. By following the direction of spiritual coaches like Paul, and caring for our brothers and sisters of the Kingdom to build them up, we also strengthen the Kingdom as a whole. And the support we give inevitably comes back as encouragements to ourselves, as well, because we see our efforts build the team we love and on which we stake our die-hard beliefs.
Be encouraged by Paul’s chapter 3 pep rally, and pass along the legacy of Kingdom spirit to the team members you know and love.
“Father, thank you for creating such a magnificent Kingdom and for recruiting me for Your team. Please help me stay true to Your Spirit and boost others with team cheer.”
Greg (gstefanelli)
Sixty-six books in a year 