Have you noticed that discouragement seems to be at epidemic levels? Most working environments are flooded with discouragement, and many times our homes are full of discouraging words.
As Christians, being an encourager is not an option, it’s a directive. Isaiah 35:3-4 tells us to "Encourage the exhausted and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, "Take courage, fear not." Christians should be people who never have discouraging words. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we are told: "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another…"
Who should we encourage? Well, how about those co-workers and peers that we interact with daily? They may put on a face that says, "I have it all together and I don’t need anyone." But don’t let that fool you. Just like you and me, they need to hear encouraging words, words of hope and cheer—and they need to hear them from you.
In addition we need to encourage our family. Sometimes we neglect those closest to us, assuming that they know how we feel, and we miss some special moments to help those we love the most. If you have children, they need your encouragement. As parents we can easily get caught up in disciplining and training, and forget that children thrive on encouragement, just like the rest of us.
Have you ever encouraged your parents? Did you ever think that they need encouragement? Even though we are all grown up now, our parents need to know how special and important they are to us.
We also need to encourage our spiritual leaders. How often do you encourage your pastor and the other spiritual leaders in your life? I know how much it means to me when someone takes time to send words of encouragement. When the pressures get heavy and you wonder if it’s worth the effort, one encouraging comment can bolster you up and give you the strength you need to keep moving on. Be sure to encourage your spiritual leaders.
It’s most important that we Christians encourage each other. So often we see the opposite happening—one believer tearing down another believer. I can only imagine how it grieves the Lord to see this happening.
Wherever you’re headed today, why don’t you make a decision right now that you will encourage at least one person today.
Our 25th Annual Weekend Getaway – The Life You Were Meant to Live – is April 19-21, 2013. Kay Arthur is our Special Guest Speaker. This will be a conference you won’t want to miss. For more information or a brochure call 630-462-0552 or go to our website at: www.christianworkingwoman.org.