WHO ARE YOU CONSIDERING TODAY?
by Pastor Lem Niere
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24
Do you never get so busy and self-consumed that you forget there are people all around you who have needs and challenges too? It’s true that we are often so concerned about ourselves that we forget or bypass people who are struggling terribly, not realising that they need a special act or word to encourage them. This is especially sad when it happens inside the church, because we are supposed to be a spiritual family who genuinely cares for each other.
In Hebrews 10:24 the word “consider” is from the Greek word katanoeo, a compound of the words kata and noeo. The word kata depicts something that is moving downward. The word noeo (from the word nous) depicts the mind and means to think. When joined together, the new word means to thoroughly think something through or to ponder something from the top all the way to the bottom.
This word pictures someone who is so concerned about someone else that he has taken the time to really consider that other person. He has observed the person’s ups and downs and his highs and lows. Because he has determined to really know and understand that other person, he invests a great deal of time and concentration into studying and getting to know that other person. This kind of knowledge doesn’t come by accident, but by determined pursuit.
While the church is to be a place where we can come to worship and hear the Word of God preached and taught, it is also a place where believers should “consider one another.” The church is a loving community where people are vitally concerned about each others’ welfare. They are constantly observing and contemplating each other to know how to encourage and provoke each other to love and to good works.
How can you provoke other believers in a positive way? How can you stimulate your brother or sister in the Lord in such a way that make him or her want to walk in love and do good works? How can you sharpen and inspire the fellow believer who is in need of endurance?
You can come alongside that person and love him enough not to leave him in discouragement and defeat. You can sharpen him, impel him, and inspire him to keep on fighting the good fight of faith. All believers need to be provoked at times, no matter what their position in the Body of Christ. Everyone needs a loving push in the right direction now and then!
Let’s come out of our comfort zones and be burden bearers—helping lift someone up with prayers and words of encouragement. We should be extremely concerned about each other’s welfare and spiritual progression. Be involved in the local church—not just for our own benefit, but to be a benefit to others as well. This is what a true disciple of Jesus is all about.
