Undisputed — Over The Commonwealth - Friday
Today’s Verse
Hebrews 10:24-25
“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.” (NIV)
Studies indicate that the average person might interact with 10-12 people in one day. Someone, depending on where they live, could pass by 1,000 people in a day! I am sure that's in a big city, but as I was thinking through my normal day, I interact with my husband, 2 kids, a few coffee baristas and people there, coworkers, people at a restaurant for lunch or dinner, people at my kids’ soccer practice, or people in my bible study group, or even a few people at the grocery story. That is easily more than 20 people that I am “interacting” with, not even just passing by.
What about at church? We have thousands of people at each of our campuses each week, and we all interact with many of these people. Or maybe we just walk in and walk out. Do we take time to encourage and get to know people close to us? Do we engage with the people God has put in our lives? Or do we walk through life scrolling on our phones, sending emails, and sending texts? Are you able to look at your screen time and reflect on how many hours you are scrolling on social media instead of engaging with people in front of you? I would say I miss the mark on this way more often than I would like to admit, but I will share a few opportunities that have challenged me to engage and encourage others.
One is being a school mentor. I will say there aren't many times I get 30 minutes of uninterrupted time fully engaged with one person, and wow, how the Lord has used that to encourage me. In the verse above, the author talks about encouraging one another, and in our mentor program, we typically think we are the ones doing the encouraging. For me, it has been quite the opposite, and I am so grateful for the way he has used serving to encourage me.
Another opportunity was a few weekends ago, I got the opportunity to serve on our guest experience team. I ran into two different families attending Southland for the first time. I was able to show them around, engage in conversation, hear their stories, and I was attentive enough to engage with them and hopefully leave them with a few encouraging words. It quickly reminded me again of how many times I walk by someone and don’t engage or even say “hi.” Let's slow down, put our phones down, and engage with the people God is putting in front of us!
REFLECTION
Pray for eyes like Jesus and to see people as he does. As you pray, I encourage you to pray about who you can invite to share a meal with you. Maybe it is a coworker, a neighbor, a friend, a coffee shop barista, someone who sits by you at church, a homeless friend, or someone you know has been struggling. Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.
Looking for opportunities? Visit southland.church/localoutreach to learn more.