Just Get Started

 

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:19-25 ESV).

 

Perhaps no other series of stories more profoundly teaches the lesson of the importance of encouragement than Winnie the Pooh. Pooh has a knack for being the encourager to all the other characters, especially the young boy, Christopher Robin. In one episode he simply states the answer to achieving difficult goals. He says, “Just get started. I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I’ve been.” How can a little bear be so profound? How many of us have wanted to get to somewhere new or try something new but we’re stuck in what we’re doing now? The easiest solution is to start walking away from what’s holding you back.

 

That’s encouragement. The word for “encouraging” in our reading for today means literally “to stand alongside.” It has to do with assuring someone that you care, strengthening them by just being there. It’s also similar to a word used to describe the Holy Spirit—parakletos, which means “counselor, advocate.”

 

We all need such a person in our lives. Anyone who says they never need encouragement is probably a hurting person. There’s nothing wrong with needing encouragement. Jesus did. His Father encouraged him, saying, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22). An angel encouraged him as he struggled alone one night, knowing he would soon be arrested and crucified (cf. Luke 22:43). Our neighbors need encouragement. One may be a student leaving home for college. Another may be a tired, frazzled mother facing the stress of child care and a strained marriage. Another may be a widower facing long, lonely days. Or perhaps there’s someone you have not seen at worship in a while. People who need encouragement are not far away.

 

Our children’s teachers, our worship leaders, pastors, elders, all of these folks need encour­agement. Being a daily encourager can be an addictive but healthy habit. Loving by encouraging can bring energy and joy. If your answer is “I would, but I don’t know how” perhaps Pooh can help you… remember he said, “Just get started.”