Encouraging

We live in a competitive world.  I have not overcome this.  Working on it, but not there yet.  I am totally one to get snared up in "keeping up with the Jones'".  I want to do better than others, I want my kids to be better than others. I want to win. 

Really?  What am I doing to myself?  Not anything good that is for sure.  It is so hard to remember that all this junk doesn't matter.  I don't belong here and I don't need to win anything here.  I have already won the battle that counts.  I know where I am going to end up.

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Hebrews 10:24  Definitely not, "Let us consider how we may do better than one another and make every deed a competition."  I need to be encouraging others who are doing well, not trying to figure out how I can do better or even just catch up.  That is just plain exhausting and gets me nowhere on the road to glory.

...let us encourage one another ... Heb. 10:25 It truly feels good to encourage another person, even if they are better than you at something.  This is one I need to pin on my forehead and remind me to encourage or congratulate or spur on next time I feel the ugly green monster of envy or jealousy or just my plain competitive spirit edging it's way out.

Father, once again, I thank you for the positive reminder of your word and how easy it is to apply it to my life.  Thank you for the reminder that I don't need to do or be or have anything better.  I have you, your Son and the Holy Spirit, so I have it made.  Help me remember this everytime I want to keep up or do better.  Plant the seed of encouragement in my heart, even for those I struggle with.   Give me your words and love for them in all situations.