Motivation in Motion
Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
This verse is nestled within a powerful section of Scripture that urges us, as believers, to persevere in faith and stay connected in community. Hebrews 10:19–25 opens by reminding us that, through Jesus, we have direct access to God. His ultimate sacrifice tore the veil and made a way for us to draw near to God with confidence.
But the Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. That’s why the author calls us to look outward: to think deeply about how we can motivate each other toward love and action.
The phrase “spur one another on” isn’t passive. It’s about intentionally encouraging, challenging, and inspiring others to live out their faith in practical, tangible ways. In a world that often pushes us toward self-focus, Hebrews reminds us that one of the ways we endure is by investing in others.
And it also means when someone spurs you on toward love and good deeds, you should respond! One of the reasons we're designed to live in community is because other people can see things in us that we can't see ourselves. Like a coach of a sports team motivates athletes to perform at a higher level, your friends and leaders in your Christian community can motivate you to step out in faith, often in a way you might be afraid to do alone.
This kind of community doesn’t happen by accident. It takes time, vulnerability, and a willingness to walk alongside others in their faith journey. But when we live this way—pressing into God, holding tightly to hope, and building one another up—we create a church that reflects the love and mission of Jesus.
Responding to God at All Times
Throughout our lives, we will all experience both suffering and joy. We'll have times of great grief and times of overflowing happiness. Sometimes, they’ll be separate seasons—but other times, these experiences come together.
In either case and in any situation, James expected Christians to come to God. If someone was suffering, prayer was the call to action. If someone was cheerful, people were to pause and praise God.
This might seem obvious, but when suffering clouds our thinking, we can sometimes forget to prioritize prayer. And when things are going well and we're feeling cheerful, it’s easy to just enjoy our season and not stop long enough to praise God for it. But every season of life is actually just an opportunity to put into practice what James wrote about…
When we are suffering, let us pray. When those around us are suffering, let us pray. When we are cheerful or happy, let us praise God. When others are happy, let us praise God with ...