Fired Up

Read: Philippians 2:1-8; Hebrews 10:24-25

Max felt sad every time he and his family walked past anyone asking for money. Living in the city, it happened pretty much every day. He wished there was some way to help those people and change their lives.

What do You want me to do, Lord? Max prayed as he followed his family on their walk to church one Sunday.

As Pastor John started to talk, Max was surprised to hear him bring up his favorite basketball team. “Did you hear about the halftime talk the players had?” Pastor John asked. “One of the players told the team they needed to start playing better, that it was time to start doing something. He fired them up, and now they’ve won three games in a row.”

Pastor John tapped the Bible he was holding. “Hearing that reminded me of how we as Christians are told to encourage one another as we live out our faith. Jesus showed His love for us by dying on the cross for our sins, and as His followers, we need to show that love to others. How can you encourage those around you to love and serve others?”

Max thought about his pastor’s words as they passed a homeless man on their way home. He asked his mom if he could speak to everyone at the dinner table.

Mom smiled. “Of course you can.”

“Guys…” Max began as he looked at his brothers, dad, grandma, and mom. “I’ve been thinking about something, and I need your help. There are a lot of people out there on these streets who don’t have money for food or a place to stay. I prayed about it, and I think we need to do something for them as a family rather than just walking by them.”

“What could we do?” Grandma asked.

“I’m not sure yet, but if we work together, we can find a way to show them God’s love.”

“You know what, Max?” Dad said. “I’ve been feeling a nudge from God too, but I’ve been ignoring it. You’re right, it’s time for us to do something and serve others together.”

Max thought of his favorite basketball team and smiled. He and his family were getting fired up too.

–Emily Acker

How about you? Has anyone ever encouraged you to serve others in a way you wouldn’t have on your own? God doesn’t intend for us to live out our faith all by ourselves—He wants Christians to support and encourage one another as we follow Jesus and show others His love. Who could you encourage today? How can you help each other get fired up about loving and serving those around you?

Today's Key Verse: Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 (NLT)

Today's Key Thought: Encourage others to do good