A spur is not for comfort

For close to one year my alarm goes off at 5:15am on Tuesday mornings. A small group of neighbors on my street gather over zoom for prayer. This was not my idea, nor do I coordinate – I simply show up.

I wouldn’t dare snap a screen shot of us as we are clothed in robes with sleepy eyes and bedhead. They honestly would kick me out of the group if I suggested an early morning photos shoot.

We gather for no more than 20 minutes – a short scripture, prayer, hushed voices. It’s not magical. It’s not profound. It’s just humbly laying down our fears, asking God to step in and acknowledging the struggles or celebrations of those we do life with.

It’s not hard – but its early.

But they have stayed committed which means I have stayed committed. When my alarm goes off, I don’t desire to escape my warm covers, but I desire to stay faithful. I want them to know we are in this together and I am committed to the process of gathering. I am committed to encouraging one another through holding onto the “unswerving hope I profess.” (Heb 10:23)

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “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.”

When I think of a spur there is no definition that includes comfort. A heel spur feels like a knife in your heel as you stand and walk all day long. A spur used when riding a horse, is an uncomfortable directive used to keep a horse following a path or command. I am certain that when the Bible proclaimed that we should “spur” one another one towards love and good deeds, it did not necessarily mean it would include comfort.

There are many opportunities besides early morning alarms that give us opportunity to spur one another on. Most likely if we are gathering often, God will grant opportunities to love outside of our comfort zone. The eye opening part of Hebrews 10:24 is that is calls us “consider how” we may spur one another on. “Considering” takes internal reflection and then intentional action.

Take some time to consider how you can spur someone else on in love and good deeds.

It may not be comfortable, but it is faithful.