Leadership: Exhortation
Exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:13 (NKJV)
What do “exhort” and “exhortation” mean?
The word most often translated “exhort” or “exhortation” comes from the Greek word paraklésis, which means “to call to one’s side; to summon, encourage, admonish, entreat. (GotQuestions.org).*
In churches, small groups, or with Christian friends, do we neglect difficult discussions? Encouragement IS one part of our call, but do we also give admonishment– through gentle guidance or kind correction? Leaders must do both!
'This duty is greatly neglected. In what church is it performed? How often do church members see a fellow member go astray without any exhortation or admonition!' (Barnes Notes on the Bible re: Hebrews 3:13).
Albert Barnes lived hundreds of years ago. How much greater is this neglect today?
Don’t forget, when you witness something wrong, SILENCE IS ASSENT!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ,
Pause to consider:
Concerning people who aren’t yet Christians, Paul says, 'What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?' (1 Corinthians 5:12). To them, be KIND Good News ambassadors. Don’t be hateful or condemnatory.
To those who don’t understand God’s values (including outsiders and other faiths), “Let it be” is proper worldly advice. Toward them, Jesus was a Pacifist, ‘The Lamb of God’ (John 1:29)
Concerning people who say they’re Christians, Paul advises 'Teaching and admonishing one another...' (Colossians 3:16), but to 'Restore that person GENTLY’ (Galatians 6:1).
To those who DO understand God’s values (including pastors, leaders, and faith friends), “Let it be” can be an easy cop-out. Toward them, Jesus was an Activist, ‘The Lion of the tribe of Judah’ (Revelation 5:5)!
But remember: We're not sinless. He WAS. Therefore, we must temper our activism with gentle, self-aware humility.
Nevertheless, let's not confuse turning the “other cheek” with turning a blind eye.
In Revelation, Christ's seven Letters to seven churches reveal what happens to congregations that choose to ignore inward corruption.
Leadership: Exhortation (Part 37)
* What is the definition of exhortation? | GotQuestions.org
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!