“… And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”  Hebrews 10:24

During the two years we lived in Texas, I faithfully attended a bi-weekly Christian men’s meeting that assembled at 6:00 a.m. in a local basketball gym.  It was an active meeting involving plenty of running, jumping, shooting, and sweating (and for me, lots of fouling). Attendees included former high school standouts and sandlot wannabes.

Mark was a charter member of our weekly meetings and a skilled player with a deadly three-point shot. When a teammate made a good play, Mark would sometimes throw out an “Attaboy!” in his deliberate, West Texas inflection. For us sandlot wannabes, an “Attaboy!” from Mark would send us back down court with a burst of new energy. My buddy Will once commented to Mark, “You know, it’s been too long since I’ve heard an ‘Attaboy!’ from you.”

When was the last time you heard a well-timed encouraging word? I hope recently!  However, I hope even more that you have recently given someone else a heartfelt “Attaboy!” or “Attagirl!” Husbands and wives, when did you last publicly brag about your spouse? Parents, when did you last praise your child for completing a routine household task? Teens, when was the last time you gave your parents a big hug just because? Employers, when was the last time you publicly praised an employee for a job well done? Employees, when was the last time you offered appreciation to your supervisor? Grandchildren, when did you last write to a grandparent to say “I love you”? Fellow Christians, when was the last time you told a Bible class teacher, ministry volunteer, or an elder how much you appreciate their faithful work?

One of the best ways I know to put Hebrews 10:24 into practice is by speaking and writing words of encouragement on a consistent basis. May we be a church family in which words of encouragement and appreciation are often heard.

Andy Wall
Author: Andy Wall