Take Care

Hebrews 3:12–14 (NLT) Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. 14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

Be careful.  That's the theme common in Hebrews. The author evidently believes there are some who are hanging in the balance of faith and unbelief.  

He says they are to make sure their own hearts are not evil and unbelieving.  We have a responsibility to our hearts.  We have to take our spiritual pulse, check our vital signs, and administer CPR sometimes. Christians... take care of yourself.

So often I see in the church a perpetual infant mentality.  People want to be served.  We even design our churches for performance and spectatorship.  People want the Pastor to feed them and encourage them and uplift them.

Grow up!

You have to learn to keep your faith alive... on your own. 

At some point you must take off the training wheels and ride the bike without help.   Later in the book the writer of Hebrews will tell them the reason they are plateaued is because they haven't stepped up the plate in serving and teaching others.  I can't remember where but I have heard and have experienced that you never learn a subject as well as when you have to teach it.  

Get in community. Notice he says, "warn each other every day." You can't warn each other if you aren't around each other.  And encouraging someone else is a good way to get encouragement from the Lord.  Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) "those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."  I know I feel much more in touch with God after I preach than before.  We are created for this.  Let's do it.

There's a trust required and the writer says so in verse 14 above, we are to be "trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed."  When you first believe you trust God for everything, for the day to day help and present power to live.  Trust Him to day, for more, for the ability to do what you thought you couldn't.  

If you aren't moving forward and stretching yourself, you are bound to drift backward.  Take a chance, step out.

PRAYER:

Father, help me to move forward.  I feel safe and sound where I am and I know that's not helpful.  I also feel your calling me to try new things and experience a fresh adventure.  I ask for you to keep me moving even when I resist and draw back.  Help me Lord, In Jesus' Name.