April 27, 2015 - Commit An Intentional Exhortation

This morning I browsed over an article in the sports section about a rookie in pro baseball that was just recently called up to the big leagues. He has been struggling at the plate and trying to adjust to this new level. The thing that struck me was that the article made it a point to bring out that the player’s teammates all believe in him, recognize his talents, and are encouraging him. I love it when I see teamwork; not only in the physical sense but also in the emotional sense. Teammates should pick each other up! Teammates should be encouragers!

That is also a major command for the church. We are told to assemble together for the purpose of encouraging one another. (See Hebrews 10:24-25) We are told to “consider one another” and to “exhort one another”… we are to “stir up love and good works.”

So what are your plans today? I think we should each target some folks to encourage in some way… make contact, commit an intentional exhortation! (When someone wrongs us we have no problem dreaming up ways to commit an intentional foul to get even… why is it hard to think about helping a teammate get ahead?)

Here are a couple great quotes I read this week:

“You make more friends by becoming interested in other people than by trying to interest other people in yourself.” Dale Carnegie

“Real friends are those who, when you’ve made a fool of yourself, don’t feel you’ve done a permanent job.” Anonymous

“Don’t save your eulogies for your friends’ funerals. Whatever ought to be said, say it now. Tomorrow might be too late.” Pat Williams

These are principles that describe what Coach John Wooden called the “fine art of friendship.” It is the core of being a good teammate. It is vital to team success…

Today “Go MAD”; intentionally Make A Difference in someone’s life!