SOMETHING BETTER – 3
PROVOKING
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Hebrews ten twenty-four, kjv.
Now there’s something that you’ll find in the authentic Body of Christ but rarely in the Institutional Church!
Don’t we often think of provoking as a negative thing? But it’s also a positive word, referring to how we can trigger the release of faith, humility, courage or suchlike in others in their time of need. The needed virtue is inside of them but smothered by the emotions of the moment, and you can trigger it into action.
A WORD PICTURE
Picture yourself touching the little thingy on a mouse trap that sets it off. You provoked it! That’s what “provoke” means and it’s what we can do for each other. I saw it again just this week and it’s beautiful! I have no title or position but I do have relationships. So do you.
We can provoke another in a casual conversation or an intentionally sober one. And through a testimony, story, or by sharing a scripture. Or in an email or phone call. And even the old-fashioned way of writing a note and mailing it or putting it in ones’ church mailbox. And maybe even by prayer alone!
EACH ONE HAS – –
The I Cor. 14:26 setting is natural for that: “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” niv
We need this. Let’s ask God to show us where and how it can happen. There are certainly several such settings in our lives now but maybe it will require something new.
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH
March 13, 2021
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