Points To Ponder

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

The cowboy in my Wednesday night small group was a living illustration of the evening’s study. It wasn’t his well-worn hat or gleaming buckle which caught my eye. No, it was the sharp spurs on his boots that made me smile—and squirm. Earlier that day his horse had felt their force—a not-so-subtle suggestion to get a move on in the right direction. I rubbed my side as I read the verse: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

The “let us” list in the previous verses (“Let us draw near” and “Let us hold to hope”) continues with “Let us consider how to help each other move toward what is bigger and better.” We’re here for a purpose, and we should be making progress in the process, but sometimes we all need a prompt. Often just a word will work, but occasionally we require a jab—not one to injure but one to inspire.

Repeated spurring in the same spot with the same pressure causes irritation and pain, so to know how to poke and prod in a proper and productive way, we ought to consider—to consider each person, each situation, and each state of mind and heart. That’s why the instruction says “Let us consider how we may spur” instead of “Let us spur.” Take time to observe, to contemplate, and to assess as you determine your mode of incentive. More than phone lines get messed up when you don’t think before you dig.

We want to make sure we spur in the right direction—“toward love and good deeds.” Love is our largest responsibility(Matt. 22:37) and our biggest witness(Jn. 13:35). Our good deeds give God glory(Col. 3:17) and cause others to give Him praise(Matt. 6:16). In the same way as the spur on my friend’s boot compelled his horse who, in turn, steered the cows, our sharp nudges should point to God’s grace and compel us to line up our lives with His great love. Often a shift in our own action or attitude will steer those around us in the right direction as well.

When the method and motivation are right, a Godly spur is a good thing—not a mean thing. We all need to get them, and we all need to give them. “Let us consider” the how and the why and be sure before we spur.