Jack, Sophie, Simon, Joy and Tom have been with the church for some
years. Jack serves faithfully as an assistant during the Lord's Supper.
Something is eating into him, he is dying inside. Though Sophie does not
serve in any specific ministry, she comes to church weekly and is faithful
to the Lord. But somehow her love for the Lord is fading away. Simon preaches
regulary as a lay preacher. His sermons are reasonably good and he enjoys
preaching. But he is also dying inside. Joy is a cell leader. Her groups
have experienced multiplication twice. Her zeal seems unquenchable. Tom
is a worship leader. He does not just lead worship, his life is evidently
a living sacrifice to the Lord. He is enjoying his ministry.
Why are Jack, Sophie and Simon dying inside while Joy and Tom are
experiencing abundant life? There are people who are impressed with Jack,
Sophie and Simon too, but they do not know it. Simply because they have
never been told so. On the other hand, Joy and Tom are constantly told
how good they are and how much they are appreciated.
People can die inside without encouragement. But if it is so important,
why is encouragement in such low supply? Three possible reasons.
First, we encourage selectively - we choose whom we want to encourage.
Second, we are self-righteous - we cannot seem to get ourselves to encourage
someone who has not done too well according to our expectations. The truth
is, there is something good in everything and everyone that we can highlight.
Third, we are indifferent - "everything is none of my business. I
am here to worship the Lord, I am here to meet my own needs, do not expect
anymore of me." As we progress in getting rid of our old clothes,
how about radically removing our fleshly nature and put on the nature of
Christ? "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing." - 1Th.5:11.
