What Encourages You?
That’s a different question than asking, “What makes you happy?” or “What suits your desires?” The question begs us to consider what things truthfully make us know our efforts are appreciated, our participation in the process needful, or enrich us toward acknowledging our worth? After we consider those things that come instantly to mind, discard those things that are carnal, and retain only those things that are spiritual (for these are of the greatest value.) Now, what is your answer?
Some will declare the singing at services. When voices are blended in sweet harmony, and the enthusiasm of that singing fills the building in which we worship, many are encouraged. That’s precisely what singing is to do (Colossians 3:16).
Some are encouraged by the powerfully worded prayers uttered on behalf of all saints. Those making these public prayers are not seeking praise from men, but simply to speak their heart’s desires to God the Father. (cf. Matthew 6: 5 – 8; Psalm 21:2) When we understand we have been ushered to the very throne of the Father, we are indeed encouraged knowing the blessing of prayer.
Some are encouraged by the preaching/teaching. Some sermons are bolder in their delivery and content than other sermons, but all (if prepared and presented righteously) are done for the building up of the souls in the most holy faith (Jude 20 – 21). Being encouraged by the preaching/teaching of God’s word is precisely what God’s word should do for every hearer. It is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).
Still others are encouraged by the communion service. It is then we are reverently reminded of the Lord’s suffering and death for the remission of our sins. Some have cried during this time of worship. Others contemplate His death by rereading the account from the gospel or listening carefully to the remarks made by the brother attending the Lord’s table. Being encouraged by this remembrance is what should be expected, for it requires an admission of His death on your behalf!
But still many are encouraged simply by your presence at the service! The reality that you have joined them in singing, praying, studying, communing, and even in the giving of our means (which is not a part of the communion, but a separate part of the worship that requires us to surrender what we have set aside for this purpose – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2), we are encouraged by those joining us as we worship in spirit and in truth! For the preacher, he is encouraged when he can see from the pulpit those who are engaged in the lesson, rather than sleeping (or appearing to sleep) through the lesson intended to strengthen faith and obedience. For the song leader, encouragement is gained when all are singing these psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs as if God were physically in attendance. For the one leading us in prayer, encouragement is gained by the emphatic, “Amen” that echoes his words with the understanding of “Let it be so” rather than a form of announcing, “He’s done praying. You can sit down now.”
Encouragement comes from simply being together for worship and Bible study. Those of “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1) realize the spiritual family unit and are encouraged by the fellowship within this family of God. By inspiration, Paul defines this fellowship with the following words: “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1-2) That we as His family are of one mind (Philippians 2:5), we are in perfect unity, and therefore understand our mutual love and our mutual needs. We know to bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). We know how to greet one another with a holy kiss. (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26) Though we know these passages relate to a greeting of righteousness and not the kiss that was customary in that day, a firm handshake, coupled with a smile and the occasional, “I love you, brother/sister” is a fantastic means of encouragement.
Encouragement is gained in honest communication with each other. It saddens me to note that some members have never so much as spoken to some other members. It is no wonder they don’t seem energetic about the worship or its content. They don’t spend enough time getting to truly know their brethren and therefore have no means of being encouraged by the fellowship shared by those who display brotherly love in every righteous way. (see 1 Thessalonians 4:9).
In prayers, we sometimes hear words like, “We pray that we will know it has been good for us to be here.” That only happens when we’ve been encouraged by our time in worship. While God receives the praise, honor, and glory of our worship, it is we, His children who are the beneficiaries of that fellowship because it is we who are encouraged. Let’s be sure to make that as much a part of our worship as attendance.