“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:24-25
Working as an usher at an MLB stadium requires me to be in the park when very few others are. For most of batting practice, the fans are not allowed in, which only leaves the employees and scouts.
It always intrigued me what a scout could possibly be looking for in watching BP. So one day I asked one what they were observing during that time. He said he was watching for two things: 1) Was a player hurt, and if so, how badly? 2) What kind of teammate are certain players? Do they hang around and joke with the rest of the team or are they standoffish and just by themselves all the time?
That second observation got me thinking about what kind of “teammate” I am toward my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. Do I spend time with them and get to know them, or do I simply attend a service or study, and get in and get out? Do I know certain people well enough to specifically ask them how they are doing or what I can be praying about for them? Are my relationships with my “teammates” at a place where I look for ways to encourage them in their faith? Am I willing to ask the tough questions and concerned enough to listen to their answers?
Kobe Bryant early in his career was criticized by a basketball Hall of Famer. He did not think at that time Bryant was a great player because he did not make his teammates better. That thought has application for us: Do we strive to encourage our fellow believers to be better and stronger in their faith?
Let’s be honest: It is not always easy or convenient to encourage one another, but nonetheless, that is what we are called to do — to make our teammates better.
— Bruce Reynolds
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