How often is the expression heard among the people of God, "What we need is ministry!" But, when this is not available, are we to suppose that the people of God are left without provision to meet their need ? Far from it. On the contrary, we are told in Hebrews 3 :13 to
" Exhort one another daily."
In this passage, to exhort means to encourage, and one translation renders it, "Encourage yourselves each day." It is not that a speaker publicly exhorts an audience, but that we encourage one another-in a mutual way.
No doubt, like David in a day of testing, each must encourage " himself in the Lord his God " (i Sam. 30 :6), but Heb. 3 :13 goes further-we are to encourage one another. While seeking courage to go on ourselves, we shall seek to contribute to the on-going of all. I shall seek to encourage my brother, and he will seek to encourage me:we shall all encourage one another.
Often we courage one another. Some time ago a brother was deploring to me the lack of interest in gospel work; yet, although there was a gospel meeting that evening in his locality, he was absent from it; and, on enquiry, it was found he seldom came to any meeting except on Sunday morning. He was
Discouraging his brethren every day.
And it is here we are tested. We are prone to be affected in the same way; and, feeling mortified at such inconsistency, take the brother to task about it ungraciously. For unless we are walking humbly with our God, the danger is that we shall not know how to speak that good and faithful word which comes from Him who knows so well how to reach the conscience and heart, and an atmosphere of bitterness or depression may result. Could we but know how to get close to that brother's need- which may have its root in discouragement-and get him to see that if things are very weak, there is the more need that he with us make the most of what we have, what a gain it would be!
But some may ask, How can we encourage ourselves each day if we do not see one another each day? Let us at least endeavor to do so. If we think this is impossible, let us put it to the test and see; and if we fail, let us tell God about it. He knows all about us, and never suggests anything impracticable in His Word.
Often, Christians travel to the large business centers in the same trains. Often we discover a brother or sister in the same factory or store, whom we might never have seen had we not been similarly employed. Perhaps our neighbor loves the Lord. Perhaps the mail-carrier, the grocer, the milkman, or doctor is a believer. If we reside in the country, where it is said, '' Everybody knows his neighbors; " is there no opportunity in this for spiritual contact ? It would seem almost certain that if there is any heart for Christ we can at least
See one Christian every day,
even for a few minutes, or even while passing by. But when we do meet a fellow-Christian, how do we employ the occasion ? Do we fail to use it because we are in a hurry, or we think the brother doesn't see us ? Alas, while we would not be discourteous, if accosted, we may be cold of heart and pass him by without recognition. But let us remember that Christ is in him, and the "bowels and mercies" which are in Christ for us all will reveal themselves.
God intends that the vital bond between Christians should be turned to good account, and not merely for a few commonplace remarks. If in communion with God, even a sentence spoken in His fear, even a hand-clasp in His name, will be a blessing. Moreover, if cultivated, the habit of turning daily contact into mutual encouragement will grow.
It is not of gifted persons that we speak, but of all the followers of Christ. And gifts are not always accompanied with blessing. Is it not a fact that companies may have gifts without corresponding blessing? The Corinthian assembly was an example of this. On the other hand, is it not equally true that companies of believers may have no special gift or ministry, yet prosper and increase in numbers and in the knowledge of God ? With love and spiritual energy they are ready to enter into conversation with the unconverted, turning the drift of conversation toward the gospel, enter into the trials and joys of their fellow-believers, and support one another by prayer; or, with wisdom from above, deal with matters that arise in their midst, and are not averse to seeking counsel when necessary.
What a refreshing atmosphere such places afford! What a savor of Christ!
And what is the secret of it ? love putting to use the knowledge God has given, sharing it in a mutual way, encouraging one another each day.
While valuing public ministry, which our Lord provides for the edification of the Body, let us not undervalue that far-reaching and gracious method of edification, in which all can be contributors to the common good and the glory of the Lord. R. J. Reid.