Several months ago we were challenged from our pulpit to practice friendly “provocation.” In Hebrews 10:24, the Greek word translated provoke is related to the English word paroxysm, literally “sharpen beyond,” and often translated stimulate or stir up. I'm picturing a jab in the ribs. But a loving jab, of course.
The passage tells us who to provoke: one another. It tells us to what end we provoke: to love and good deeds. And it tells us what must happen first: we must consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.
Developing what our pastor referred
to as a “provoking ministry within the body” - What a compelling idea! -
involves not only the intentional pursuit of relationships, but also energetic
thinking about how specifically to spur one another on to Christlikeness.
This provocation business is no
small quest! Perhaps these questions will help you, as they have me, to focus
on the "who" part of the task at hand.
1. Who are the women who have called you
out to love and good deeds in the past? Who are you currently imitating? Have
you encouraged your "spiritual mothers" by thanking them? Would you
appreciate the nurturing of an older woman? If so, I challenge you to observe many,
set your sights on one, ask her to spend time with you, and watch her beautiful
face light right up!
2. Who are your precious "spiritual
daughters"? Who are those younger women already within your sphere of
influence? How are you pouring your life into theirs in greater and greater
measure? Are you walking worthy of your calling before their watching eyes? Are
they often in your thoughts and prayers?
3. Who are the acquaintances you will
target, pursue, and turn into friends? A year from now, which women will be
more encouraged and better equipped to live for God's glory because of your
ministry in their lives?
4. Who are the women in your life who are
yet apart from Christ? How will you reach them with the gospel?
Dear ladies of BCLR, thank you for
stirring me up to love and good deeds! So many of you have had a profound
impact on my life as I have observed your winsome godliness. How blessed we are
to be mothers, daughters, and sisters, one to the other!
May our arrows and aim be sharp,
and may we be ever ready to pursue and provoke to the glory of our God!
