Daily Exhortation

One of the verses in the Bible that has motivated me to stay consistent daily with this blog is Hebrews 3:13: "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." We are told to daily incite fellow believers to good works (that's the definition of: exhort). So, I have been daily trying to incite my readers to good works by my different posts.

Well, these past couple of days, I have seen the importance of having good Christian friends around you, to do the same, to help encourage and incite me to do good works. And I am very appreciative of it.

For example, these past two days I have failed to post on my blog. The reason? Slothfulness, and too much work. That makes sense??? Slothful in that in my free time that I did have, I didn't do it, and too much work in that I couldn't get away from my job enough to do it either.

Anyway, I have learned different methods of encouragment though from the comments that were made here too. For example (no names given to protect the innocent and guilty):

Method Number 1: REBUKE
"Lunch time thoughts Andy! Lunch time. Not dinner time thoughts. Sigh." This method is used to point out the fault. Some may notice that this rebuke actually came when I had not even missed a blog post, just was a bit late on it. But, apparently it was prophetic as I missed the next two. And I did appreciate the reply comment saying that the previous comment came from someone who hadn't posted in a week, but I will let that go.

Method Number 2: CONCERN and COMPASSION
"Now I'm afraid - this is the longest you've ever gone without posting! Did you get what Sarah had?!" This method of exhortation can also be called, Grace. There is notice that there is a flaw, but rather than rebuke, a show of concern over my well-being and compassion is made. This encourages me in a positive way to continue on doing right.

Method Number 3: FLATTERY
"Has anyone seen this blogs author? He's not answering his e-mail, he's not blogging...did I miss the Rapture?" This method of inciting me to good works would be flattery (streeetching here...). The commenter is saying, Andy, it may be you're the only one saved around here, and so a plausible explanation for your absence is that you were raptured up, and we were left behind. This method of exhortation encourages me in thinking that people actually care about what I write. That there is a reason to go on... :)

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you all for the exhortation!

(Hebrews 10:24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:(Hebrews 10:25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Just a thought...